Government Issues Guidelines for Virtual Network Operators

"After considering the recommendations of Trai on VNO, the government has decided to grant Unified Licence VNO (UL VNO)," the telecom department said in its guidelines.

It said VNOs were treated as extension of Network Service Operator or telecom service providers and "they would not be allowed to install equipment interconnecting with the network of other NSOs."

"VNOs shall also be allowed to create their own service deliver platforms in respect of customer service, billing and value added service," the guideline said.

Regarding entry fee, the guideline said: "A one-time non-refundable entry fee for authorisation of each service and service area shall be payable before signing of licence agreement and thereafter for each additional authorisation. The total amount of entry fee shall be subject to a maximum of Rs. 7.5 crore."