Govt, operators face-off over 3G issue

Date:

spot_imgspot_img

NEW DELHI: The government and three major telecom operators are poised for a face-off, as the telecom ministry declared their 3G roaming services as illegal prompting the angry service providers to move TDSAT.

Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea had entered into an agreement to offer intra-circle roaming for the premium 3G services, even as these operators did not have specified spectrum pan-India.

“… It has been concluded that provision of the services by you (operators) which are presently available by virtue of 3G spectrum in 2.1 GHz band only, to your customers through the above mentioned intra service area roaming arrangements is not permissible,” DoT notices said.

Reacting to the development, Bharti Airtel said, “We are shocked at the arbitrary decision taken by the DoT to issue instructions to stop intra circle roaming (ICR) for 3G services among the telecom operators.”

This is “demoralising” to note that the decision has been arrived at without providing any opportunity of hearing to industry players.

Simultaneously, the three operators also moved telecom tribunal TDSAT challenging the government’s decision. TDSAT, which is closed from tomorrow for winter vacation, will hold a special hearing on Saturday.

The telecom ministry had also claimed that such an agreement would dent revenue generation for the government by way of losing on revenue usage charges. (PTI)

spot_imgspot_img

Related articles

Mbappe scores 2 as Real Madrid win on opening night of CL

Madrid, Sep 17: Kylian Mbappé converted two penalties and 10-man Real Madrid came back to beat visiting Marseille...

Yamal to miss Barca’s CL opener

Barcelona, Sep 17: Lamine Yamal will not play in Barcelona’s Champions League opener at Newcastle on Thursday because...

Aston Villa out of League Cup to continue poor start to season

London, Sep 17: Aston Villa’s miserable start to the season continued with elimination from the English League Cup. Unai...

Mastantuono becomes youngest starter for Real Madrid in CL

Madrid, Sep 17: Teenage forward Franco Mastantuono became the youngest player to start for Real Madrid in the...