In continuation of the 3G roaming agreements issue, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has asked the operators involved in the issue to outline the steps they would take to compensate the government, if they lose the case.
The hearing of the case will continue on February 18, 2012. Prior to this, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had contended that the delay in a final decision indirectly favored the operators. According to the department, the interim order benefitted the operators as they continue offering 3G service in circles where they do not have spectrum.
However, the TDSAT had 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.
