COAI demands early final hearing in TDSAT on dual technology
Opposing the allocation of dual spectrum to Reliance Communication and others, GSM players on Tuesday asked the sector tribunal TDSAT for an early final hearing, saying further delay would cost them dearly.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: Opposing the allocation of dual spectrum to Reliance Communication and others, GSM players on Tuesday asked the sector tribunal TDSAT for an early final hearing, saying further delay would cost them dearly.
TDSAT, which is functioning at full strength with two members joining Chairman Justice Arun Kumar, has sought details from the government about the current status of the policy before starting examination of facts and adjourned the case till August 19.
"This would be a death for us by default," submitted Abhishek Manu Singhvi, senior advocate appearing for Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).
He also added that the Delhi High Court, where the same issue has been challenged in the form of a writ petition, has reserved its judgement for the last six months.
Meanwhile, the TDSAT has directed the government to file an affidavit on recent developments in its policy over allocation of additional spectrum and crossover technology.
In October last year, the government had allowed dual technology for offering mobile services, under which CDMA operators like Reliance Communications, Tata Teleservices and others were allocated GSM spectrum.
TDSAT Chairman asked the Department of Telecom to file an affidavit by August 18 before it, mentioning all details about the spectrum allocation and change in policy since October 2007, when it was challenged by GSM lobby group COAI.
"Since the filing of this petition there has been developments after government's policy regarding allocation of spectrum, which is an issue in this petition... government will file an affidavit by August 18," said Justice Kumar, who was assisted by two newly joined members J S Sarma and G D Gaiha.
TDSAT, which is functioning at full strength with two members joining Chairman Justice Arun Kumar, has sought details from the government about the current status of the policy before starting examination of facts and adjourned the case till August 19.
"This would be a death for us by default," submitted Abhishek Manu Singhvi, senior advocate appearing for Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).
He also added that the Delhi High Court, where the same issue has been challenged in the form of a writ petition, has reserved its judgement for the last six months.
Meanwhile, the TDSAT has directed the government to file an affidavit on recent developments in its policy over allocation of additional spectrum and crossover technology.
In October last year, the government had allowed dual technology for offering mobile services, under which CDMA operators like Reliance Communications, Tata Teleservices and others were allocated GSM spectrum.
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TDSAT Chairman asked the Department of Telecom to file an affidavit by August 18 before it, mentioning all details about the spectrum allocation and change in policy since October 2007, when it was challenged by GSM lobby group COAI.
"Since the filing of this petition there has been developments after government's policy regarding allocation of spectrum, which is an issue in this petition... government will file an affidavit by August 18," said Justice Kumar, who was assisted by two newly joined members J S Sarma and G D Gaiha.
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