Telecom service provider (telecoms) Vodafone is facing Rs 549 crore additional penalty for using 3G spectrum of other mobile operators in 11 circles. This penalty is beyond DoT’s Rs 550 crore penalty on Vodafone.
The company faces the additional penalty for operating and generating revenue in 11 circles without a license after signing intra-circle roaming (ICR) agreements with another 3G operator.
The 3G roaming pact and controversial decisions from the telecom ministry affected the confidence of Indian telecom operators. However, telecoms including Vodafone are expanding their presence in India.
Last week, COAI director general Rajan Mathews said spectrum sharing will pave for finding a solution to the 3G roaming issue. If spectrum can be shared among operators, there will be no need for entering into 3G roaming agreements.
But today’s media report suggests that Indian telecom minister Kapil Sibal may not allow spectrum sharing since it will negatively impact revenue generation from future spectrum selling.
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