TTSL, RCom directed to hold back 3G services launch

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed telecom service providers Tata Teleservices (TTSL) and Reliance Communications (RCom) to hold back the launch of 3G mobile services until a lawful interception mechanism is put in place.

The companies have, however, denied receiving such directions and said the communication applied only to video calls on the 3G platform. The two telecom providers are the only private companies that have launched 3G services. Besides RCom and TTSL, 3G mobile services are currently being offerd by state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) since the last two years.

Meanwhile, the operators held a meeting with DoT and central security agencies today and sought a few months' time to upgrade their network for the full interception. According to people familiar with the matter, DoT is likely to take a call on the issue in one to two weeks.

3G technology allows mobile users to access the internet and download songs and movies at faster speed, besides making video calls.

The industry, which is understandably miffed with the order, has pointed out that the two sate-owned telecom companies, BSNL and MTNL have been offering 3G services since the last two years and though the issues have been present all along the companies were never asked to stop.

According to an exhaustive note prepared by the union home ministry for the DoT, a demonstration was organised by Reliance, Tata Teleservices and Bharti during which the law enforcement agencies pointed out that none of the operators could carry out online delivery of video call intercepts in real time.