Twice shy cellcos call for ‘legal’ clarification

India’s wireless operators at pre-auction talks with regulators regarding the upcoming sale of airwaves have called on the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to make clarifications in a legal format, reports Money Control. Representatives from Bharti Airtel and Vodafone India complained that communications from the DoT had been confused, contradicting itself in places. The DoT assured operators that their concerns would be addressed, adding that the regulator would create a ‘legally binding document, which lays out the Department’s rules.’ TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that Bharti and Vodafone have suffered at the hands of DoT ambiguity in the past; during the auction of 3G concessions. Prior to the tender, cellcos were given the green light to offer 3G services in areas where they did not receive licences – via agreements with other operators – only for regulators to deem the practice illegal shortly after the auction.