The Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has issued a notification publishing the draft Telecommunications (Authorisation for Captive Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2025 for public consultation. The proposed framework outlines the procedure, eligibility, and scope for granting non-commercial (captive) telecommunication service authorisations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
These draft rules invite public objections or suggestions within 30 days from SEPTEMBER 10TH 2025. Once finalized, they will govern entities such as companies, government departments, and autonomous bodies intending to operate non-public telecom networks.
🧭 Key Highlights of the Draft Rules:
🔹 Scope & Applicability
- Applicable to entities providing captive telecom services such as private networks for internal use (not open to public subscribers).
- Entities covered: Companies, government ministries, Parliament, State Legislatures, courts, and autonomous government bodies.
🔹 Categories of Captive Authorisation
- Captive Mobile Radio Trunking Services (CMRTS)
- Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN)
- Captive VSAT Services
- Captive General Services
Each category has a clearly defined service area, ranging from national to geographically confined zones.
🔹 Validity and Renewal
- Initial authorisation period: 20 years
- Renewable as per procedures in the rules
- Licence migration from Indian Telegraph Act possible for existing licensees
🔹 Eligibility Conditions
- Must not have pending dues or association with prohibited investors
- Compliant with FDI norms and foreign control regulations
- Defaulters or those with expired/surrendered licences under previous laws must clear dues
🔹 Application & Processing
- Applications to be submitted via dedicated DoT portal
- Includes a non-refundable processing fee
- Separate application required for each service area
- Letter of Intent (LoI) issued prior to formal grant (except CNPN & general services)
- Authorisation granted after entry fee payment and bank guarantee or surety bond
🔹 Security Vetting
- For captive VSAT, security clearance may be required from the satellite network authority before approval.
🔹 Exemptions
- Govt entities like Police, Fire Services, and Ministries may be exempt from bank guarantees for specific services.
⚖️ Compliance Framework
📑 Legal Compliance
- Must comply with:
- Telecommunications Act, 2023
- TRAI Act
- All related rules, orders, and directions
- Ongoing obligation to maintain compliance with FDI laws, shareholding norms, and ownership disclosures
📊 Reporting Obligations
- Mandatory reporting of:
- Change in shareholding or name
- Ownership or contact details
- Appointment of nodal officer
🔒 Restrictions
- No transfer, sub-leasing, or third-party control without prior govt approval
- Only allowed under approved mergers or restructuring
🗃️ Record Maintenance
- Must maintain detailed Subscriber, Call, Exchange & IP Data Records (CDR, SDR, EDR, IPDR) as per Central Govt guidelines
🗣️ Public Consultation Open
Stakeholders and the public can submit their objections or suggestions to:
Joint Secretary (Telecom)
Department of Telecommunications
Ministry of Communications
Sanchar Bhawan, 20, Ashoka Road
New Delhi – 110001
🧾 Conclusion
These draft rules are a step towards clarifying the regulatory structure for private/captive telecom networks, especially for enterprises, industries, and government departments. It aligns with India’s focus on next-gen connectivity, including 5G private networks, smart manufacturing, and secure government communication systems.