Basic operators withdraw plea in SC against TDSAT verdict

New Delhi: Private basic operators have decided to withdraw their appeal in the Supreme Court against the judgement of the Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) seeking an imposition of additional entry fees for providing limited mobility (WLL) services.

According to S C Khanna, secretary-general, Association of Basic Telecom Operators (ABTO), since the government is in the process of introducing the unified licensing regime, a decision to withdraw the case has been taken "to ensure a litigation-free environment whereby the telecom sector can grow at a fast pace."

He added that the ABTO has taken appropriate measures to immediately withdraw the appeal to ensure that the consumers are not be under any uncertainty and can continue to avail themselves of the services offered by WLL subscribers.

With this the only litigation pending will be the appeal by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). Khanna said with the withdrawal of the ABTO appeal, the COAI too should withdraw its appeal to ensure a litigation-free environment in the telecom sector.