JOIN USDoT sends licence termination notices to telcos
The operators have been given 60 days to respond why their licences should not be terminated for failure to roll out networks, as per the licence conditions.
Operating under the MTS brand, SSTL is a joint venture between Shyam Group and Russia-based Sistema. The company has launched CDMA voice and data services in 22 telecom circles, with 10 million subscribers.
However, it has been issued termination notice for the delay in rollout.
Aircel is the market leader in Tamil Nadu, Assam, the North-East and Chennai, but its service roll outs were also behind schedule. Aircel is a pan India operator with a presence across 23 circles.
Etisalat DB Telecom, a joint venture between Etisalat and the Shahid Balwa-promoted DB Group, has licences in 15 circles including Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana and Karnataka.
As per the rules, the licencees were required to offer services in 90 per cent of their service areas in metros and 10 per cent in district headquarters within 12 months from the date of award of licence.
Most of the new players who received 2G licences in 2008 have not met the roll out obligations. Acting upon sector regulator, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) advice, the DoT has been issuing notices to telecom companies for delay in rolling out services.
Some of the licence holders are under the scanner of various investigating agencies including CBI and the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament for getting 2G licences under dubious means.