The government is likely to slap a combined fine of Rs 477.15 crore on Indian telecom companies, including existing operators as well as new licensees, for defaulting in rollout obligations.
As per the current norms, any player who gets the government’s nod to launch mobile services must ensure availability of services in at least 10% of the districts in that circle or area within the first year of getting the licence, and 50% of the districts within three years. But the ministry has found violations as all operators have failed to fulfill this criteria, especially in the smaller towns and cities.
Update:
In a separate development, the Supreme Court has restrained the state-run BSNL from penalizing private telecom operators including Tata Teleservices for not paying access deficit charges of more than Rs 90 crore.
The apex court clarified against the TDSAT order on refund to BSNL, which would mean that the basic telecom operators and others would not have to pay access deficit charges as was demanded by BSNL.