Bharti Airtel has issued an official statement after receiving a notice from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) asking it to terminate all 3G roaming pacts.
The statement said, ?We are shocked at the arbitrary decision taken by DoT to issue instructions to stop intra- circle roaming (ICR) for 3G services among the telecom operators.?
?This is despite DoT having clarified the matter prior to the 3G spectrum auction in 2010. The operators had pointed out that post the 3G auctions, not all existing UASL licensees will hold 3G spectrum in any licensed areas due to the limited 3G blocks on offer. So, we had further asked whether the customers of those licencees be allowed to roam on the 3G networks of other USALs in the same licensed area.?
?Thereafter, DoT had clarified that the roaming policy was applicable to the licenses and not to specific spectrum bands. Hence, roaming will be permitted. We fail to understand how DoT can recant from its own clarification and take this drastic decision affecting millions of mobile subscribers seeking access to broadband services in India.?
?It is demoralising to note that DoT arrived at this decision without following any principle of natural justice as no opportunity of hearing has been provided to us before arriving at this decision. It is even more painful to note how the written action by DoT has been delayed till Friday evening fully knowing that any legal recourse needs court working days.?
?To add to our and customer’s dismay compliance is being forced within 24 hours without stating why this haste! We are sure it is well understood by all industry stakeholders that to unwind a strategic deployment like ICR, expert intervention is required as multiple aspects of CRM, network and IT are at play. More importantly customers have to be informed and their financial commitment towards the service has to be protected, as per the regulation.?
?The ICR arrangements between Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar and Idea Cellular were brought to the notice of DoT, TRAI and other related agencies before launching our 3G ICR services. DoT’s decision violates the principle of natural justice and is to say the least illegal.?
?The Government’s stated objective has been the proliferation of broadband and 3G services to the far flung areas of the country particularly rural areas. DoT decision is a retrograde step as it will adversely impact the proliferation of broadband penetration, depriving millions of people in rural and urban India from affordable and quality telecom services.?
?The reverse stance taken by DoT from its earlier stated position sends a wrong signal, not only within the telecom industry but to the entire business community looking for a stable and transparent policy regime. The Indian telecom sector has been a shining example of India?s growth story post the economic reforms, and has attracted billions of dollars in investments from domestic as well as international players. This decision is tantamount to reneging on a promise. This will severely dent the credibility of the Government and adversely impact the much needed investments in the sector as well as the country.?
?Bharti Airtel will take appropriate recourse to protect its rights.?
