DoT renews attack on 3G roaming

In the latest turn of events in India’s 3G row, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will once again order 3G providers to cease offering services in circles where they do not have licences, reports Telecom Tiger. Following a split decision from the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) in early July this year, the DoT sought the legal opinion of the law ministry, which has supported the DoT’s assertions. When no single cellco won pan-India spectrum for 3G services, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Idea Cellular and Reliance Communication began offering 3G products outside of their service areas via roaming agreements with other cellcos, patching gaps in their own coverage. India’s regulators have sought to end the practice, which they believe is illegal, despite having previously told operators that the practice was permissible.