Staying compliant is crucial for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to maintain their operational status. In India, holding an ISP license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) comes with a set of obligations. This article explores the top five compliance requirements every ISP must follow to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations.

1. Timely Submission of Reports

ISPs are required to submit various reports to the DoT on a regular basis.

a) Quarterly Performance Reports

Licensees must provide quarterly performance reports detailing their network coverage, subscriber base, and service quality.

b) Annual Financial Reports

ISPs are obligated to submit audited financial statements annually to showcase compliance with financial obligations.

2. Payment of License Fees and Spectrum Charges

Financial compliance is one of the most critical aspects of maintaining an ISP license.

a) Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) Reporting

ISPs must calculate and report their AGR accurately, as license fees are based on this figure.

b) Timely Payment Deadlines

Non-payment or delays in fee submission can result in heavy penalties or even license suspension.

3. Adherence to Security Conditions

Security compliance ensures national security is not compromised.

a) Lawful Interception Facilities

ISPs must provide facilities that allow lawful interception of communications when required by security agencies.

b) Data Retention

Retention of user logs and data for a specified period is mandatory, as per DoT guidelines.

4. Network Rollout Obligations

Once the ISP license is granted, operators must meet specific network rollout targets.

a) Rural and Remote Area Coverage

Many licenses require ISPs to expand their network into rural and remote regions within a stipulated timeframe.

b) Minimum Service Quality

Meeting the quality of service standards set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is non-negotiable.

5. Compliance with Tariff and Customer Service Regulations

Customer satisfaction and fair pricing are important compliance areas.

a) Transparent Tariff Plans

ISPs must ensure all tariff plans are transparent and approved by TRAI.

b) Customer Grievance Redressal

Setting up a robust mechanism to address customer grievances is a key compliance requirement.

Conclusion

Maintaining an ISP license involves more than just technical setup; it requires strict adherence to legal, financial, and operational guidelines. By following these top five compliance requirements, ISPs can secure their license validity and build trust with regulators and customers alike.