TDSAT delivers split verdict on 3G roaming pacts of telcos
03 Jul 2012
Telecom tribunal TDSAT today returned a split verdict on validity of mobile phone operators offering 3G services beyond their licence areas through roaming pacts, with its chairman approving the practice, while the other member on the bench differed with him.
The split verdict comes on a petition filed by mobile phone companies challenging a government order asking them to discontinue 3G services beyond their licensed circles or zones through mutual roaming agreements.
The two-member bench comprising TDSAT chairman justice S B Sinha and member PK Rastogi differed in their findings.
While Justice Sinha allowed the plea of telecom operators against the government's directive to stop intra circle 3G roaming saying it amounted to a violation of natural justice, Rastogi dismissing the telecom operators' plea saying they could not offer roaming.
The operators now plan to approach higher courts.
The chairman took the view that DoT (Department of Telecom) had not followed the proper procedure and operators had not been given time to put across their views.
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