Telecom tribunal TDSAT has directed DoT not to encash or seek the renewal of performance bank guarantees by Loop Telecom and Etisalat DB.
In an interim order over two separate petitions filed by Loop Telecom and Etisalat, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal said that till its further direction, the DoT would not demand any new bank guarantees from them.
The petitions sought TDSAT directive to the Department of Telecom for the release of guarantees submitted in lieu of spectrum allotted to them, claiming they have rolled out the networks.
Next hearing
The tribunal has listed the matter on December 22 for next hearing.
Loop Telecom, which has been allotted licences for 21 circles, submitted before the tribunal that it has completed its roll-out obligations and as per the terms and conditions, its PBG should now be released.
It further submitted that its guarantee was slated to expire in the first week of December and requested the tribunal to give interim protection, as DoT may take some action against it.
Etisalat DB had approached the tribunal with the argument that as per Unified Access Service Licence (UASL) terms and conditions, their PBG should be released.