3G roaming deals among telcos to have negative impact on govt revenue: DoT

BANGALORE, INDIA:

The Wireless Planning and Finance wing of the telecoms department (DoT) has warned that the 3G roaming deals among telcos will have 'negative revenue implications for the government', marking the third instance of an internal section in the communications ministry ruling against such alliances.

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Earlier this year, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar and Idea Cellular had entered into 3G roaming alliances that enabled them to offer high-end data services on a pan-India basis (except Orissa). Bharti, Vodafone and Idea had won 3G airwaves in 13, 9 and 11 circles, respectively, and their roaming pacts ensured that customers of these companies can access high-speed data services even in the regions where they don't hold 3G airwaves. Aircel has a similar deal with Tata Teleservices and offers 3G services in six circles using the latter's airwaves.

Source: IPTV India Forum