RInfra can file rejoinder to Etisalat DB by Mar 14: TDSAT

The Telecom tribunal today gave Reliance Infratel (RInfra) time till March 14 to file a rejoinder to Etisalat DB's reply in the Rs 1200-crore dispute between the two firms.

The issue relates to RInfra's claim of Rs 1,200 crore as payment by by Etisalat DB for use of telecom infrastructure.

RInfra approached TDSAT last month against Etisalat DB, a joint venture between UAE-based Etisalat and Dynamix Balwas Group of India.

During the proceedings of the tribunal, Etisalat DB handed over its reply. After that, the ADAG group firm wanted to file its rejoinder to it.

Allowing the plea of RInfra, a subsidiary of RCom, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal has asked RInfra to file its rejoinder by March 14, the next date of hearing.

On March 14, the TDSAT has also listed a similar matter wherein RInfra has approached the tribunal, claiming dues against the Chennai-based operator S-Tel, on account of using its infrastructure such as tower, base stations etc.

Both Etisalat DB and S Tel had entered into an agreement with the ADAG group firm for sharing telecom infrastructure on a 10-year lease in 2009.

However, following the recent Supreme Court decision cancelling the licences of S Tel and Etisalat along with other new entrants, RInfra moved the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) for recovery of dues.

Etisalat DB has telecom services licence to operate in 15 circles.

These circles include Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu (including Chennai), Uttar Pradesh (East and West), Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.

Earlier this  month, the UAE-based firm said it has written off $827 million value of its Indian operations, by way of an impairment charge, after the Supreme Court cancelled 122 2G licences, including those of Etisalat DB.