DoT may ask operators to terminate all 3G roaming agreements

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) reportedly plans to ask operators to terminate all 3G roaming agreements.

Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular, Vodafone Essar and Aircel have entered into bilateral roaming agreements that allow them to use each other’s spectrum and offer high-end data services even in regions where they do not have 3G spectrum.

While operators have been firmly reiterating that the licensing terms allow for 3G roaming pacts, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and DoT say these alliances violate licence rules.