What is an NLD license?

An NLD (National Long Distance) license allows a company to carry telecom traffic between different telecom circles (states) within India.

What is an ILD license?

An ILD (International Long Distance) license allows a company to carry traffic between India and other countries through gateways and landing stations.

Can one company hold both licenses?

Yes, under the Unified License (UL) framework, a company can have both NLD and ILD authorizations simultaneously.

What is a 'Telecom Circle'?

India is divided into 22 Telecom Circles (usually aligning with state boundaries). NLD is needed to carry traffic from one circle to another.

Do I need an ILD license for a Call Center?

No, Call Centers usually come under the 'OSP' (Other Service Provider) registration. ILD is for the carrier that *provides* the connectivity to the call center.

What is the entry fee for these licenses?

Currently, the entry fee for NLD and ILD authorizations is ₹2.5 Crores each under the Unified License (UL).

Is there an AGR-based fee?

Yes, like all telecom licenses, NLD and ILD operators must pay 8% of their Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) as an annual license fee to the DoT.

How long is the license valid?

A Unified License with NLD/ILD authorization is valid for a period of 20 years.

Service

ILD / NLD License Registration Online

Apply for International Long Distance (ILD) and National Long Distance (NLD) licenses from DoT India. Expert assistance for large-scale telecom infrastructure...

Connecting Cities and Continents

Apply for International Long Distance (ILD) and National Long Distance (NLD) licenses from DoT India. Expert assistance for large-scale telecom infrastructure...

The backbone of national and international communication. Get your NLD or ILD authorization under the Unified License to carry long-distance voice and data traffic.

The specialized authorizations for carrying telecom traffic across state and national borders. Build your backbone network and manage global connectivity with DoT approval.

National Long Distance (NLD) and International Long Distance (ILD) are two of the most critical authorizations under India's Unified License (UL) framework. NLD license allows a company to carry telecom traffic (voice and data) between different telecom circles (states/zones) within India. ILD license, on the other hand, allows for the transport of traffic between India and other countries, including the setup of international gateways and cable landing stations.

These licenses are the domain of Tier-1 carriers and infrastructure companies that build the backbone of the internet and telephony. They are responsible for the 'transit' of data that smaller ISPs and mobile operators rely on. Because of their impact on national communication security, these authorizations have high entry fees, significant bank guarantee requirements, and are subject to continuous monitoring by security agencies.

QuickTaxperts provides professional consulting for NLD and ILD authorizations. We assist in the complex financial reporting, networth certification, and the multi-agency security clearances required to secure these high-level telecom licenses.

Category: Telecom & Tech
NLD: Carry traffic between Telecom Circles (Inter-circle).
ILD: Carry traffic across national borders (International).
Enables the provision of Leased Circuits and Managed Services.
Mandatory for operating submarine cable systems and satellite gateways.
Mandatory for carrying Inter-Circle (NLD) and Inter-Country (ILD) traffic
Authorizes the setup of Gateway Switches and Landing Stations
Essential for Tier-1 Carriers and Transit Providers
Requires high capital commitment and security compliance

Understanding Long Distance Authorizations

Key differences in scope and requirements.

Note: Entry fees and networth requirements are subject to periodic DoT updates under the UL guidelines.

Scope - Inter-Circle (Within India) - Inter-Country (Global)
Entry Fee - ₹2.5 Crores - ₹2.5 Crores
Min Networth - ₹2.5 Crores - ₹2.5 Crores
Min Equity - ₹2.5 Crores - ₹2.5 Crores
Connectivity - Domestic PoPs - International Gateways

Eligibility and applicability

We check applicability before filing so the selected registration, licence, or compliance route matches your facts.

Must be an Indian Company (Public or Private Limited).
Must have a minimum Paid-up Capital and Networth as prescribed by DoT.
MOA must have specific objects for NLD/ILD and telecom infrastructure.
Subject to 100% FDI (with security clearance for specific regions).
No history of security violations or telecom license cancellations.

Documents required

Document requirements vary by entity type, state, premises, and authority. These are the usual groups we verify before submission.

Mandatory Documents: Certificate of Incorporation and MOA & AOA.; Audited Financial Statements showing Networth and Equity.; Detailed Shareholding Pattern (Foreign vs Domestic).; Technical Plan for Gateway Switches and Points of Presence (PoPs).; Security Profile of all Directors and Key Executives.; Land/Space details for Gateway/Landing Station setup (if applicable).; Bank Account details and Board Resolutions.

Our NLD/ILD Licensing Workflow

Managing complex multi-agency approvals.

Step 1: Financial & Legal Audit: Ensuring the company meets the high capital and networth criteria and has the correct corporate structure.
Step 2: Saral Sanchar Submission: Filing the comprehensive application for Unified License (UL) with NLD/ILD authorizations.
Step 3: Security Clearance: Coordinating the detailed background checks by the Ministry of Home Affairs and other agencies.
Step 4: LOI and Fee Payment: Handling the Letter of Intent, processing the ₹2.5 Crore entry fee, and submitting the Bank Guarantees.
Step 5: Agreement & License: Finalizing the license agreement and obtaining the authorization to start building the backbone infrastructure.

Deliverables

After completion, we share organized acknowledgements, references, and next-step guidance for banking, renewals, or future filings.

Unified License (UL) with NLD/ILD Authorization
Security Clearance Certificates
DoT Portal Access and Compliance Dashboard
AGR Filing Roadmap and Financial Reporting guidance

Expert review

ILD / NLD License Registration Online content is reviewed by QuickTaxperts Telecom Advisory, Telecom Regulatory Specialists.

Checklist-led review
Document pre-verification
Authority-specific next steps

Frequently asked questions

These quick answers cover common planning questions before you request a checklist or quote.

What is an NLD license?: An NLD (National Long Distance) license allows a company to carry telecom traffic between different telecom circles (states) within India.
What is an ILD license?: An ILD (International Long Distance) license allows a company to carry traffic between India and other countries through gateways and landing stations.
Can one company hold both licenses?: Yes, under the Unified License (UL) framework, a company can have both NLD and ILD authorizations simultaneously.
What is a 'Telecom Circle'?: India is divided into 22 Telecom Circles (usually aligning with state boundaries). NLD is needed to carry traffic from one circle to another.
Do I need an ILD license for a Call Center?: No, Call Centers usually come under the 'OSP' (Other Service Provider) registration. ILD is for the carrier that *provides* the connectivity to the call center.
What is the entry fee for these licenses?: Currently, the entry fee for NLD and ILD authorizations is ₹2.5 Crores each under the Unified License (UL).
Is there an AGR-based fee?: Yes, like all telecom licenses, NLD and ILD operators must pay 8% of their Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) as an annual license fee to the DoT.
How long is the license valid?: A Unified License with NLD/ILD authorization is valid for a period of 20 years.