Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Get a Breather on Intra Circle 3G Services Barring for 60 Days

Department of Telecom (DoT) sources have reportedly informed that they are planning to give 60 days for operators including Airtel and Vodafone to explain why their 3G licenses should not be cancelled for offering services in areas where they do not have airwaves. This is being done as per the directive of the Delhi High Court. 

It was only in September, when reports emerged out showing the tussle between the mobile operators and telecommunication ministry regarding the alleged illegal provisioning of 3G services through roaming pacts. Government has mulled for a ban of 3G services that time too much to the discontent of the operators. 

Bharti Airtel, the country's largest telecom operator went to the high court, challenging a show-cause notice by the department of telecommunications and an advisory which asked the company to stop third-generation roaming services with immediate effect. The court also ruled that operators should be given a notice period of 60 days to explain their position. 

The decision of the DoT to grant 60 days will give a temporary relief to operators. However, the issue is far from over and we still need to see what stand operators will take against this 3G cancelation notice. High court has also directed the government not to take any coercive action against the operators till the next hearing.