Thinking of setting up a call center or BPO in India? You will need a DOT OSP license. This is not just a bureaucratic step. It actually ensures that our operations follow all Indian telecom laws and also helps you earn trust with all the clients.
What is a DOT OSP license?
OSP basically stands for other service providers. Under India’s telecom policy, any business that uses telecom infrastructure to offer services like telebanking or call center operations needs to get a license from the Department of Telecommunications. So, if you’re running a call center, tele-education platform, or even a KPO, you need this license to operate legally.
Who needs an OSP license?
The license is not just for big BPO. It applies to any telecom-based service in India, including call centers, telebanking and telemedicine, e-commerce customer support, and tele-education and remote services. Over 2500 OSP registrations are active in India Today. If your company or LLP uses telecom lines to serve clients, you are completely on the list.
Different types of DOT OSP licenses
A domestic OSP license allows calling within India. There is no need for any international calling. It’s ideal for purely local operations.
An international OSP license allows calling only outside India. There are no domestic calls. You can use it if you are a service center handling international clients.
A combined domestic and international license allows both domestic and international calls from the same premise. The criteria include a minimum of 50 seats and a ₹50,00,000 bank guarantee. It is valid for the initial three years, and requires renewal afterward.
How much does a DOT OSP license cost and validity?
| License Type | Application Fee | Bank Guarantee | Validity |
| Domestic OSP | ₹ 1,000 | — | 20 years |
| International OSP | ₹ 1,000 | — | 20 years |
| Combined Domestic & International | ₹1,000 + ₹50L BG | ₹50 lakh | 3 years (renewable) |
The figures are completely aligned with the guidelines. You just need to pay the fees of rupees 1000 to get that essential license, well worth the investment in legal operation.
Why does your call center need the license?
- Legal compliance under NTP 1999 avoids telecom penalties.
- Get access to telecom resources from authorized providers only.
- It validates trust for banks, governments, and MNC clients.
- It also enables international calling legally from India.
- It regulates toll pass activity, promoting telecom standards.
- If you are a business without a license, you risk heavy fines or even shutdown for unlawful telecom usage.
How to apply for DOT OSP License?
Ensure eligibility
Your business must be a private limited company or LLP; nothing else is allowed.
Prepare documents
Collect certificate of incorporation, board resolution, list of directors, and shares, besides descriptions of telecom-based businesses.
Register on the portal
You can use the Saral Sanchar or DOT OSP website to fill out the form online.
Pay the application fees
Pay ₹1000 via Bharat Kosh, ensuring a smooth submission.
Upload documents
Attach all digitally signed files in the portal.
Respond to queries
DOT requests clarifications or resubmissions. You need to keep an eye on messages.
Grant of license
You can expect approval within 20 to 30 working days. Or combined licenses expect slightly longer because of the bank guarantee steps.
Rules, regulations, and compliance
Annual returns
OSP must file a report detailing activities by 31st August every year.
Logical separation
Domestic calls must remain separate from international calls. Furthermore, if you have a shared infrastructure, it needs DOT approval.
Audit and term cells
DOT Field units might conduct spot checks. Non-compliance can lead to license cancellation or even financial penalties.
Work from home regulations
Rules relaxed post-COVID. Working from home is now acceptable. There is no need to list every home address.
Renewals and modifications
Combined license needs renewal every three years. It is done only via a bank guarantee. Renewal is not mandatory if you have a standard license, but modifications like adding a site must be reported.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Operating a contact center in India without a license can lead to legal action and disruption of services. Non-compliant operations may face heavy financial penalties or even criminal prosecution. In addition, access to telecom carriers can be denied, and there is a high risk of losing trust among institutional clients. Bottom line: without a license, legal call operations are not permitted.
Why does expert help matter?
With expert help, you can avoid common mistakes like incomplete documentation, poorly drawn network diagrams, or not structuring infrastructure correctly. Consultancy firms specialize in OSP licensing. They ensure a fast error error-free filing, often within just 20 business days.
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Conclusion
So, in short DOT OSP license is not optional; it’s mandatory for any call center or telecom-based service in India. It’s very easy to apply, affordable, and also valid for several years.
It ensures legal operations, open telecom lines, reduces penalties, and also gives your clients peace of mind. If you’re launching that new call center, don’t skip it. Secure your license and comply, and build your success on the right foundation. Experience Contaque’s secure contact center tech. Book a free demo.
