What is a Network License?

It is an authorization from the DoT to build and operate a communication network, either for internal (captive) use or for commercial purposes.

What is a Non-Network license?

In the telecom context, this often refers to captive or private networks that do not connect to the public PSTN/PLMN networks.

Do I need this for my office Wi-Fi?

No, standard Wi-Fi using unlicensed bands (2.4GHz/5GHz) for internal office use does not require a formal DoT license.

What is a Closed User Group (CUG)?

A CUG is a group of people (like employees of a company) who communicate only among themselves using a dedicated, private network.

What is the role of WPC?

The WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) wing of the DoT manages the radio frequency spectrum. If your network is wireless, you need WPC approval along with your license.

Can I connect my private network to the public internet?

This depends on the license terms. Most captive networks are restricted from interconnecting with public networks to prevent security risks and bypass of telecom traffic.

How long does the registration take?

Standard private network registrations on Saral Sanchar usually take 15 to 30 working days.

What happens if I operate an unlicensed wireless link?

Operating wireless equipment on licensed bands without a permit can lead to seizure of equipment and heavy penalties for frequency interference.

Service

Network and Non-Network License | DoT Captive License

Apply for Network and Non-Network licenses from DoT India. Mandatory for private communication systems, captive networks, and non-commercial telecom operations.

Dedicated Connectivity for Enterprise Needs

Apply for Network and Non-Network licenses from DoT India. Mandatory for private communication systems, captive networks, and non-commercial telecom operations.

Regulatory compliance for private and captive networks. Get your DoT authorization to operate closed user group (CUG) networks or non-commercial communication systems.

The specialized authorizations for private and captive communication systems. Secure your DoT license to operate dedicated networks for internal business needs.

Network and Non-Network licenses are specialized authorizations granted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for operating private or captive communication systems. A 'Network License' typically refers to the authorization to build and operate a communication network for commercial purposes or wide-area coverage. A 'Non-Network License' or 'Captive License' is for internal communication within a Closed User Group (CUG) for a single entity.

These licenses are essential for businesses that require high-reliability, dedicated communication channels that are independent of public networks. This includes large manufacturing campuses, offshore oil rigs, mining sites, and secure government installations. They allow for the use of specific technologies like VSAT, radio links, and private fiber networks.

QuickTaxperts provides professional guidance in identifying the correct license category for your private communication needs. We manage the technical documentation, coordinate the frequency allocation (if wireless), and handle the entire application lifecycle on the Saral Sanchar portal.

Category: Telecom & Tech
Enables secure, internal voice and data communication.
Requires compliance with WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) norms for radio-based systems.
Mandatory for operating private VSAT or microwave links.
Essential for organizations requiring 99.99% uptime and low latency.
Mandatory for Closed User Group (CUG) communication
Separate norms for Commercial vs Captive usage
Requires adherence to spectrum and interference guidelines
Essential for large campuses, mining, and offshore sites

Categories of Private Networks

Understand which authorization fits your use case.

Captive Network: A network established for the exclusive use of the owner. No commercial services are provided to third parties.
Network Authorization: Required for entities building infrastructure to lease to others or for large-scale private distribution.
VSAT License: Specific license for using satellite terminals for communication in remote locations.
Radio Links: Authorization to use specific radio frequencies for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication.

Eligibility and applicability

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

Must be a registered legal entity (Company, LLP, Government Body).
Must have a clear, documented need for a private communication network.
Must not have any outstanding dues with the Department of Telecommunications.
FDI limits apply based on the specific telecom category.

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 / Registration documents.; Detailed Network Diagram and Site Plan.; Technical specifications of the equipment to be used.; Purpose of the network and list of intended users.; PAN and Aadhaar of the authorized signatory.; Board Resolution / Letter of Authorization.

Our Network Licensing Workflow

Securing your private communications in five steps.

Step 1: Needs Assessment: Identifying the geographic scope, technology, and user group of your proposed network.
Step 2: Technology Mapping: Coordinating with WPC (if wireless) to check frequency availability and interference norms.
Step 3: Portal Submission: Filing the comprehensive application on the Saral Sanchar (DoT) portal with technical plans.
Step 4: Security Review: Handling any clarifications from DoT regarding network encryption and security measures.
Step 5: Final Grant: Obtaining the license/registration and delivering the final authorization documents.

Deliverables

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

Network / Non-Network License Certificate
DoT Portal Access Credentials
Approved Network Topology Diagram
Technical Compliance and Audit Guide

Expert review

Network and Non-Network License | DoT Captive License 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 a Network License?: It is an authorization from the DoT to build and operate a communication network, either for internal (captive) use or for commercial purposes.
What is a Non-Network license?: In the telecom context, this often refers to captive or private networks that do not connect to the public PSTN/PLMN networks.
Do I need this for my office Wi-Fi?: No, standard Wi-Fi using unlicensed bands (2.4GHz/5GHz) for internal office use does not require a formal DoT license.
What is a Closed User Group (CUG)?: A CUG is a group of people (like employees of a company) who communicate only among themselves using a dedicated, private network.
What is the role of WPC?: The WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) wing of the DoT manages the radio frequency spectrum. If your network is wireless, you need WPC approval along with your license.
Can I connect my private network to the public internet?: This depends on the license terms. Most captive networks are restricted from interconnecting with public networks to prevent security risks and bypass of telecom traffic.
How long does the registration take?: Standard private network registrations on Saral Sanchar usually take 15 to 30 working days.
What happens if I operate an unlicensed wireless link?: Operating wireless equipment on licensed bands without a permit can lead to seizure of equipment and heavy penalties for frequency interference.