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GSM operator Vodafone India has objected to a show-cause notice on 3G intra-circle roaming (ICR) issued by the licensor, terming it as “without authority of law”.
The company, in its reply to the Department of Telecommunications, also reiterated that 3G intra-circle roaming is clearly permitted under its Universal Access Service Licences (UASL or telecom licences).
It has also sought the withdrawal of the notice, review the issue and provide an explanation to its stand on 3G roaming.
“The illegal position now being taken by DoT, is causing grave uncertainty and prejudice to us, not the least to mention the continuous irreparable damage being caused to our business and is also against public interest,” it said.
The letter, written by Vodafone Resident Director T.V Ramachandran, also said the move will undermine investors’ confidence and impact the future spectrum auctions.
Vodafone India, which termed the notice as “arbitrary, inconsistent, unfair and unreasonable”, also said it would “give rise to serious disputes and challenges’.
On May 31, the licensor had issued a show-cause notice terming the company’s roaming pact with Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular. The DoT notice said pact amounts to sub-leasing of 3G spectrum, which is violation of licence conditions.
The company, the Indian subsidiary of the UK’s Vodafone Group, said it reserves the right to take appropriate steps to seek damages for the losses to the company.
rajesh.kurup@thehindu.co.in
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