DoT to ask 3G operators to stick to their circles

The government has decided to ask mobile phone operators to immediately stop offering 3G data services outside their licensed circles through roaming pacts with each other.

Telecom Secretary R Chandrashekhar told reporters here he said Department of Telecom will send show cause notices as well as an advisory to stop (3G) services.

Though earlier the DoT has said that it is illegal to offer third-generation or 3G data services beyond a company's licensed zone or circle, the telecom companies had challenged the order before the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), which in July gave a split verdict.

However, Chandrashekar refused to name any of the companies which are being asked to immediately stop 3G services. But he said notices will go out to people who have committed a breach.

Asked if the operators will get 60 days time, he said: “Stoppage will be immediate (and) time given (to them) is for responding to the reasons for breach.”