DoT to Halt New Permit Processing Starting November 10

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has said it will stop processing new telecom permits from November 10, 2025, until the new authorisation framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, is notified, as per the news reports. This is a temporary measure taken during the ongoing transition to the new legal system.

Suspension During Transition

The DoT stated that the transition to the authorisation regime under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, is currently underway. During this period, there could be regulatory and administrative uncertainties while dealing with new applications. To avoid such issues, the department has decided to pause acceptance of new applications for a range of telecom permissions.

Applications Covered Under the Pause

Starting November 10, 2025, the DoT will not accept new requests for Unified Licenses (UL), Unified License (VNO), Standalone Licenses, Registrations, Permissions, and No Objection Certificates (NOCs). However, applications that have already been submitted before this date will continue to be processed normally, according to the official statement.

Background of the New Telecom Act

The Telecommunications Act, 2023, was notified on December 24, 2023. It replaces the earlier laws that have governed India’s telecom sector for decades, the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950. The new law aims to create a single, updated framework for telecom governance in the country.

Progress on the New Framework

Public comments on parts of the draft authorisation framework under the new Act closed on October 21, 2025. The department is reviewing the feedback received before finalising the framework. Some provisions of the new Act have already been implemented, including those related to right-of-way for network rollout and the establishment of common ducts and cable corridors.

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Conclusion

The pause on new telecom permits is a procedural step as the government moves to fully implement the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and bring the new authorisation framework into effect.

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