Telecom operators Idea and Vodafone have been asked to stop 3G services in regions where they do not have license.
According to reports, the Department of Telecom has ordered Idea and Vodafone to end the services in unlicensed areas. Idea and Vodafone are reportedly asked to pay a fine of ₹300 crore and ₹550 crore, respectively, for violating the spectrum license.
"It (notice) has been issued Friday," DoT officials told PTI.
Dot had earlier imposed a fine of ₹350 crore on Airtel for the violation of spectrum areas and had asked Airtel to terminate its 3G services in seven regions where it does not possess spectrum license. Airtel has challenged this order in court.
The latest report came a day after the Delhi High Court squashed the stay order on this matter. Airtel has approached the Supreme Court seeking a review of the order. The court is likely to take the case on Monday. Airtel has informed the SC that as the lower court order is likely to affect 20 million subscribers, the case need to be heard at the earliest.
According to reports, Airtel is directed to stop 3G services in those regions within 24 hours of time following the Delhi High Court order. The operator has not terminated the service yet. This might attract further penalty, said DoT.
Idea and Vodafone have been asked to stop the service within three days from now.
