DoT to issue notices to Bharti Hexacom, Idea on 3G sharing

NEW DELHI: The telecom department is set to issue notices to Bharti Hexacom and Idea Cellular asking why they allowed operators who didn't hold third generation spectrum to use their networks for providing 3G services, a top official in the telecom department said Monday.

In other words, the department of telecommunications ( DoT) has questioned the power of the Bharti Hexacom and Idea to become a 'giver' of 3G spectrum, which it says is in violation of the telecom licences, the official explained.

The latest notices will be issued to the two companies who still hold Cellular Mobile Telephone Service licences in some circles. While Idea is being issued two notices for violating the 'CMTS' licence conditions in nine circles of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Kerela, Haryana, UP (West), UP (East), Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, Bharti Hexacom is being issued a notice for violation of the CMTS licence in the North East.

The CMTS was replaced by the Unified Access Service Licences (UASL) in 2004. Bharti Hexacom is a unit of Bharti Airtel, India's largest mobile phone operator by subscribers.

The notices will follow the department's move to issue show-cause notices to telecommunication companies for 3G intra circle roaming ( ICR) pacts in circles where they hold the UAS licences. This matter is currently being heard in the Supreme Court.

The two companies could face a fine for the violations.