DoT seeks extension for prepaids in J&K & NE

KOLKATA: The telecom department has approached a committee of secretaries (CoS) for a two-year extension of prepaid mobile services in J&K, Assam and Northeast, starting April 1, on grounds of improved operator performance in these regions.

Based on an earlier CoS decision, mobile phone companies can run prepaid services in these circles till March 31, 2013, which is why, the telecom department has sought a fresh extension. There are nearly 23 million mobile users across these three regions.

"With an overall improvement in operator performance in these circles, based on CAF audit results, we may urge CoS to extend prepaid services in J&K, Assam and Northeast for another two years, effective April 1," says an internal departmental note, a copy of which was reviewed by ET. The DoT has also urged the CoS to ensure prepaid customers in Assam and Northeast retain their roaming privileges across India, excluding J&K.