In recent years, India has witnessed an exponential growth in internet usage, making it one of the world’s largest digital markets. With an ever-increasing demand for internet services, the need for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) has become more pronounced than ever before. If you are interested in venturing into the thriving Indian telecommunications industry and wish to become an ISP, this article will serve as a concise guide to help you understand the process of obtaining an ISP license in India. Below, we will show you a video to introduce you to this article.
Categories of ISP License
In India, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issues ISP licenses under three categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Each category corresponds to different geographical coverage areas and specific requirements:
Class A ISP License: This license allows an ISP to provide internet services in a specified metro area or a major city. The minimum paid-up capital requirement for a Class A license is typically higher than that of the other categories.
Class B ISP License: With a Class B license, an ISP can operate in a telecom circle, which includes multiple districts and towns within a state. The capital investment required for a Class B license is relatively lower than that of a Class A license.
Class C ISP License: This license grants the ISP the ability to provide internet services in specific rural areas or small towns. The capital investment required for a Class C license is generally the lowest among the three categories.
ISP License or VNO (Virtual Network Operator)
Aside from obtaining a traditional ISP license, you also have the option of becoming a Virtual Network Operator (VNO). VNOs do not own the underlying network infrastructure but lease bandwidth and network services from existing licensed ISPs or telecom companies to provide internet services to end-users.
Choosing between an ISP license and a VNO license depends on various factors, including your budget, business model, and the extent of control you want over the network infrastructure. While a VNO license might involve less upfront investment, acquiring an ISP license can provide more control and independence in shaping your services.
Private Limited Company: A Must
Irrespective of the category of the license you wish to apply for, it is essential to set up a Private Limited Company as per the Companies Act, 2013. The company will be the legal entity through which you can apply for the ISP license. This requirement ensures that you have a well-defined corporate structure, liability protection, and a credible business presence.
Conclusion
Obtaining an ISP license in India is an intricate yet rewarding process that opens the doors to a lucrative market with millions of potential customers. Before embarking on this journey, carefully assess the geographical area you wish to cover and the scale of operations you want to achieve. Decide on the type of license that aligns best with your business goals – Class A, Class B, or Class C. Additionally, consider the option of becoming a VNO if you prefer a less capital-intensive approach.
Remember, establishing a Private Limited Company is a prerequisite, and it will serve as the foundation of your ISP venture. By adhering to the regulations, fulfilling the financial requirements, and ensuring compliance with all legal aspects, you can successfully secure an ISP license and pave the way for a prosperous internet service business in India.
In the digital age, reliable internet connectivity is crucial for businesses to thrive. Whether you’re an internet service provider (ISP) or a business seeking to provide internet services to your customers, buying bulk bandwidth in India is a strategic move to ensure smooth and uninterrupted internet access. However, the process of acquiring bulk bandwidth involves careful consideration of several factors. In this article, we will delve into the essential steps and considerations for purchasing bulk bandwidth in India to optimize your business operations and ensure long-term success.
When purchasing bulk bandwidth in India, it is vital to work with a registered company. Dealing with authorized and established businesses ensures that you are entering into a legitimate agreement and that your investment is protected. Registered companies are more likely to comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards, providing a higher level of service quality and accountability.
2. The Agreement with Your Licensed Bandwidth Provider
The agreement with your licensed bandwidth provider is a critical aspect of the entire process. Two primary types of agreements are prevalent in the market:
a. Customizable Plans: Some providers offer agreements that allow you to create your own internet plans, which are reselable to end-users. These agreements provide greater flexibility, enabling you to tailor internet packages that align with your customers’ needs. This arrangement allows you to offer competitive and innovative services, catering to a wider customer base.
b. Fixed Plans: In contrast, some providers offer fixed plans, restricting your offerings to pre-defined packages. While these fixed plans may come with certain advantages, such as lower costs and simplified management, they may limit your ability to cater to specific customer demands and preferences.
The Impact of a Bad Agreement
A poorly structured agreement with your bandwidth provider can have severe implications for your business’s impact and longevity. If the agreement restricts your ability to offer tailored plans or resell bandwidth to your customers, it could lead to a loss of competitiveness in the market. Moreover, a rigid agreement may hinder your ability to adapt to changing market demands, potentially causing customers to seek more flexible alternatives.
3. The Minimum Order
Typically, the minimum order for bulk bandwidth in India is around 50 Mbps. However, it is essential to note that different companies may have varying minimum order requirements. Before finalizing your agreement, make sure to understand the specific terms and conditions regarding minimum orders to align them with your business needs and budget.
4. Feasibility
Feasibility is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a bandwidth provider. While a certain provider may offer attractive terms and pricing, if they lack feasibility in your required location, it becomes impractical to provide internet services in that area. Opting for a bandwidth provider with a broad network coverage and established infrastructure ensures that your services can reach a wider audience and that you can cater to diverse geographical locations.
Working with a reputable ISP aggregator like Muft Internet can be advantageous in establishing your internet services business in India. Muft Internet has collaborated with various prominent companies such as Airtel, Tata, Jio, and more to provide all-India connectivity. This aggregation enables you to tap into a vast network, increasing your reach and potential customer base.
Ordering and Buying Bandwidth: Time Considerations
It is essential to acknowledge that the process of ordering and buying bulk bandwidth may take some time to complete. Generally, it can take anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks from the initial inquiry to the activation of services. This buffer time should be factored into your business planning to ensure a smooth and timely launch of your services.
Conclusion
Acquiring bulk bandwidth in India is a significant step toward establishing a successful internet services business. By partnering with registered companies and carefully reviewing the agreement terms, you can customize internet plans and effectively cater to your customers’ needs. Furthermore, choosing a bandwidth provider with nationwide feasibility, like Muft Internet, ensures that your services can reach a broad audience. Remember to consider the minimum order requirements and plan for the necessary buffer time during the ordering process. By adhering to these guidelines, you can lay a strong foundation for your internet services venture in India.
In today’s rapidly advancing digital age, the world is witnessing unprecedented growth in information and communication technology (ICT). However, amidst this digital revolution, a profound inequality persists – the digital divide. This divide represents the gap between individuals who have access to ICT and those who do not. It encompasses not only the lack of internet connectivity but also limited access to computers, smartphones, and digital literacy. Shockingly, even in the 21st century, approximately 40 percent of the global population remains offline, exacerbating the disparities in economic, social, and political opportunities. This article explores the implications of the digital divide on various aspects of human life and highlights the urgency of bridging this gap.
Below, we will present you with a short video on the digital divide.
The digital divide refers to the stark disparity in access to information and communication technology (ICT) between different segments of society. It encompasses individual limitations in owning digital devices, accessing the internet, and lacking digital literacy skills. Societally, it manifests as unequal access to digital infrastructure and services, affecting communities and regions worldwide. The divide intersects with income, gender, age, and ethnicity, disproportionately affecting vulnerable and marginalized groups. Bridging the digital divide is essential for promoting social justice and inclusive development. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, digital access is no longer a luxury but a fundamental necessity for economic opportunities and active participation in society. Addressing this divide requires concerted efforts from governments, businesses, and civil society to ensure equitable access to digital resources and empower individuals to thrive in the digital age.
The Impact on Economic Access
Access to digital technology plays a pivotal role in shaping an individual’s economic potential. With the internet as a gateway to a vast realm of information and market opportunities, those who lack digital access are often left behind. Businesses, especially small enterprises, face considerable barriers to growth and innovation when they are disconnected from the digital world. Access to online markets, financial services, and e-commerce platforms can drastically improve their economic prospects. Addressing the digital divide is crucial for fostering inclusive economic development and reducing the economic disparities that perpetuate poverty.
The Social Dimension
In an increasingly interconnected world, social interactions are significantly influenced by digital technology. Social networks, online communities, and digital platforms facilitate communication, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. Being digitally excluded can lead to feelings of isolation and hinder social engagement, particularly for marginalized communities. Additionally, access to educational resources and distance learning opportunities are often dependent on digital infrastructure. As education is a powerful tool for upward mobility, the digital divide can exacerbate existing social inequalities.
Political Implications
Digital access has transformed political participation, enabling citizens to engage in the democratic process, access information, and express their opinions. The digital divide, however, poses a serious threat to the principle of equal representation. Without access to ICT, marginalized communities may find it challenging to voice their concerns, advocate for their rights, and hold public officials accountable. As a result, the digital divide can undermine the democratic fabric of societies, stifling the free flow of information and limiting citizens’ ability to actively participate in governance.
Access to Opportunities
In the modern job market, digital skills have become essential for employability and career advancement. The lack of access to digital resources and training can create significant barriers for job seekers, preventing them from accessing a wide range of employment opportunities. This disparity reinforces existing socio-economic gaps and perpetuates cycles of poverty. Bridging the digital divide is crucial for fostering a skilled workforce that can thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Conclusion
The digital divide is not merely an issue of access to technology but a complex web of socio-economic inequalities that shape our global society. With almost 40 percent of the global population still offline, we must recognize the urgency in addressing this gap. Bridging the digital divide is not a luxury but a necessity for creating a more equitable and inclusive world.
Governments, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities must work together to invest in digital infrastructure, provide affordable internet access, and promote digital literacy programs. By empowering individuals with digital access, we can unlock their full potential and enable them to participate more fully in economic, social, and political spheres. Only through collective efforts can we bridge the digital divide and build a more just and prosperous future for all.
Below this video, we will enclose a written summary of the documents required.
What documents are needed to get an ISP license in India?
Generally, the application procedure for an ISP license is consistent across all states in India. The primary documents required for obtaining an ISP license typically include:
While the basic set of documents remains the same, there may be minor variations or additional requirements in specific states based on local regulations or administrative procedures. It’s crucial to thoroughly research the licensing process in the state where you intend to establish your ISP and ensure compliance with all applicable rules and guidelines.
To avoid any potential discrepancies, it is strongly recommended to contact the Department of Telecommunications or consult with a legal professional with expertise in telecommunications regulations in India to get accurate and up-to-date information on obtaining an ISP license.
I strongly believe that affordable Internet access can change societies. Countries that had Internet first, are richer than countries that adopted Internet at a late stage.
Education in remote places with Internet opens up economic opportunities and gets rid of masked slavery. In a lot of remote towns in India there aren’t schools or roads. When you don’t have skills and your only option is to pick coffee or cotton for INR 6000 a month, it really isn’t an option, is it?
Providing accessible/affordable Internet and e-schools at an early stage in such areas game changes that.
People in the north east or remote corners don’t necessarily need our polluted, petro-dependant and corrupt model of development.
May be they don’t need four lanes and factories. May be they don’t need pesticides, may be they want to stick to organic as it’s always been there. May be they need a data-driven economy with public transport powered by renewables.
People in rural areas need to be aware of the different models of development and be able to choose their own. The Internet exposes them to this and that is the reason there is a great demand for internet for rural areas in India.
This is why we started @muftinternet – a social enterprise that provides Internet access in remote places that never had any connectivity and works on different ideas to reduce the digital divide. The goal is to make Internet access affordable and accessible to every single household in India.
We work on remote area connectivity, data aggregation and teaching people how to become low cost micro-ISPs. We have setup community broadband in villages that never had telephone lines, 2G, 3G or fiber optics. Muft got Internet for the very first time to places that no big telco or government saw worth investing in.
We have been fortunate enough to build an excellent team that is performance driven and highly motivated through solving socio-technical challenges and not just money.
Over time, Muft has been benchmarking connectivity standards in the country.
For instance; our latency is lower than that of Airtel Xtreme and Jio Fibre in Aizawl, Mizoram. Our plans are cheaper, offer higher speeds and have unlimited data.
While most small/independent ISPs shut down during Jio’s price war – our territories survived. In fact, our operators grew their customer base after Jio stopped the free sim offer.
After the price war, they jacked up their prices – we didn’t. However, we did improve our profitability because of ingenious data optimization and routing techniques. Another thing that helped us is that our buying power of raw bandwidth increased through aggregation. More and more small time village ISPs started buying Internet bandwidth unitedly and together. This drove down costs per village as they were pooling all of this data together (with our help).
We as one of the bulk bandwidth providers in India, spent the first four years to bring Internet access to a single remote village. In the last 3 years, we made it to 51 operators in 120+ villages across 10 states in India.
All of this done with a core team of 7 passionate people. That’s it.
This company has been bootstrapped without any large investment. We don’t own infrastructure. Local communities do. We mostly rent. We have never had an office. We have always worked from home. We have the least overheads for a telco company. We work less than 4-5 hours a day, 4 days a week.
There is no concept of asking for leaves. Work is measured by defined by clear metrics, not just dumb attendance.
As a company, we promise every employee this: No perks. No side benefits. A good salary, profit share in the company, travel beautiful parts of India and the most important thing of all – a lot of free time to be able to develop your own experiences and grow as an individual.
So, clearly there is something we are doing right!
At this stage, we are looking to grow our team. This isn’t a post for a specific job. We don’t work with ultra specific job roles. Instead, we use a problem solving approach.
The Problem: Telco in India is f*cked. It’s corrupt, inaccessible in rural areas and congested in cities. Every major company and the government is ‘losing’ money. There are countless business, legal, sales, marketing and technological inefficiencies in the telecom industry in India. How can YOU contribute towards fixing it?
In the start you will be paid to learn about problems in telco, digital divide and our company.
You will assist other members in different tasks and learn. We spend a year in teaching and onboarding.
Eventually, you will tell us what interests you, what you can contribute and how you can best add value to our organization.
You will have an opportunity to travel your beautiful country and learn something amazing – how people in most remote corners of India communicate using the Internet access we provide and how to bring Internet and e-school access to places that never had any.
If you’re smart, value honesty, vibe with what we do at Muft and would like to work with us – send me a message.
