DoT opposing 3G roaming

Department of Telecomm, DoT has opposed 3G roaming between operators and is considering corrective measures against those who currently have intra-circle roaming ( ICR) agreements.

DoT's tough stance follows the aggressive position taken by industry captains - Sunil Mittal of Bharti Airtel, Vittorio Colao of Vodafone and K M Birla of Idea, along with Anil Ambani of RCOM and Ishaat Hussain of the Tatas - in asking the PM to refund their 3G bid deposits, with interest, if it intends to revoke permission for 3G roaming. The government collected revenues of Rs 67,719 crore from 3G spectrum auctions and returning the money now, almost two years later, threatens to be a severe pinch.



Documents reveal that the DoT has concluded that 3G roaming cannot be permitted, following detailed analysis of Trai's assessment of October 20, 2010 and advice from the DoT's licence fee and access service divisions. "The broad view that is emerging is that it is impermissible," telecom secretary R Chandrasekhar told reporters while adding that the ministry will soon take action.

DoT is tilting towards the view that "action can be taken against licensees who are offering services using the 3G spectrum in a local service area (LSA) without winning the same in the auction for that LSA as per conditions mentioned in licence".