The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has adjourned the hearing on the 3G roaming controversy till February 16, 2012. The decision comes even as the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has contended that the delay in a final decision is indirectly favoring the operators. According to the department, the interim order is proving to be beneficial for the operators as they continue offering 3G service in circles where they do not have spectrum.
However, the TDSAT has directed the five operators, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India, Idea Cellular, Aircel and Tata Teleservices Limited, to file their replies over the plea of from BSNL to implead in 3G roaming controversy along with DoT.
On January 20, 2012 TDSAT had dismissed DoT?s plea challenging the former’s jurisdiction to decide on 3G roaming dispute and held it has the power to decide on government’s direction on 3G roaming agreements among operators.
