What do you need to operate a Telco Service?

You need a licence to operate a telecommunications service

If you want to operate a telecommunications service you must have a licence to do so from the TRA.

There are two different types of licences.  The one you need will depend on what you want to do.

1. Individual licences: allow the person with the licence to own network equipment, as well as offer telecommunications services over that equipment.
2. Class licences: allow the person with the licence to offer services over a network, but not own the network equipment.

To get a licence, you need to apply to the TRA.  You can find out how to apply here.

Circumstances where you do not need a licence

There are some types of networks and services that you do not need a licence for.

Exempt networks:

• Networks used to provide Communications Services where there is no charge imposed.
• Private and internal networks (such as where an organisation uses a network to communicate internally within a campus or various branches with no connection to a public network).
• Receive-only satellite equipment.

Exempt services:

• Services provided exclusively over an exempt network.
• Voice and messaging services offered over the public internet that are not assigned telephone numbers by the TRA.
• The provision of satellite capacity by foreign satellite providers within the FSM.