Maritime License in India: Eligibility Criteria to obtain it
Maritime License is the authorization to provide internet services in flight and on seas. It effectively turns the licensee into an IFMC service provider.
Considering the nature of this license and the nuanced type of service it renders, the Department of Telecommunication has setup specific eligibility criteria that the applicant has to adhere before applying for the license.
Thus, in this article, we discuss the eligibility criteria of maritime license in India.
Factors that determine the eligibility criteria of an applicant
Following are the decisive factors that determine the eligibility criteria of the applicant;
- Does the applicant have the right approval? It shouldn’t be a debate that no conventional company can become an IFMC service provider. The applicant company must have the right prior approval from the DOT that states that it either has the potential to or does provide telecommunication services in some shape or form.
- Does the applicant have the technical capacity to provide internet connectivity maritime and in-flight? IFMC stands for In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity. So naturally, the applicant should have the technological capabilities to provide the aforementioned service in the desirable scale and in the best way possible.
- Does the applicant uses Indian satellite? IFMC service providers are those that must only use Indian satellites to utilize the in-flight and maritime connectivity services. It’s one IFMC rule that can’t be compromised with at any cost. In case the satellite is foreign, prior approval of ISO is also required. Read More Related Content: ILD License
Eligibility criteria based on the licenses that the applicant should have
Following eligibility criteria is based on the licenses the applicant must have from the very start:
ISP License Category A: An IFMC operator has to provide internet connectivity overseas and in-flight. Therefore, it’s required that the applicant already has an ISP license that doesn’t shackle him in his own service area.
Thus, the Department of Telecommunication has mandated that if ISPs are applying for the Maritime Type Approval, then they must be category A ISP license holders.
NLD License Holders: National Long Distance Operators are service providers that facilitate the subscribers with voice, message and data transmission services over long distances within the national border.
They are service providers that have the legal flexibility required to provide voice and data services over seas and in-flight.
Therefore, the department has mandated that National Long Distance License Operators can become IFMC Service Providers subject to the issuance of Maritime Approval.
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VSAT CUG License: If the applicant has the right to setup and operate a Very Small Aperture Terminal at a commercial scale meaning that he has the VSAT CUG License, then he capable of applying for the IFMC license.
Access to Satellite gateway: The applicant must have a satellite gateway on earth station within his service area..
Eligibility Criteria based on the type of Company that the applicant is
Applicant for Maritime Approval must be a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013. Following are the types of companies that are allowed to have the maritime approval
Airline Companies: If you want to enable in-flight connectivity in your airline company, then the only way you can get the approval if you’re either an Indian airline company or a foreign airline company with the permission to enter Indian airspace.
Shipping Companies: If you seek maritime connectivity in your shipping company, you must either be an Indian shipping company or a foreign shipping company with the permission to travel on Indian territorial waters.
Read More Useful Content: NLD License
Conclusion
Maritime guidelines are quite specific when it comes to the eligibility criteria to become an IFMC provider. Heed to the ones we have mentioned here and when you’re ready, consult with Registrationwala to start the approval procedure.
What is the eligibility criteria to obtain maritime license approval in India? This blog lists the factors and the eligibility criteria to become an IFMC provider by obtaining the Maritime approval.