DoT questions TDSAT’s authority to take a decision on the 3G roaming pacts issue

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has questioned whether the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has the jurisdiction to take a decision on the ongoing 3G roaming pacts issue.

Prior to this, five operators, including Bharti Airtel and Vodafone, approached the TDSAT asking it to stay DoT?s order to cancel such agreements.

Additional Solicitor General AS Chandiok, appearing for DoT, informed the tribunal that it has no jurisdiction to entertain petitions which alter the terms of telecom licence.

Thereafter, the tribunal asked the government to file a separate application in this regard.