COAI blasts govt on 3G, portability

The battle between telecom rivals is set to intensify with GSM mobile players accusing the government of favouring a particular operator wanting to enter their turf while Anil Ambani-led CDMA operator RCOM asking these companies to gear up to face "real competition".

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the lobby of GSM players such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone, alleged the government was favouring a select company by allowing users to switch their service provider while retaining their number.

"Mobile number portability was being introduced to benefit a select operator desirous of entering the GSM segment and thereafter poaching on the subscribers of existing GSM players," COAI Director General TV Ramachandran said.

Although the statement did not mention the name of the "select operator", Reliance Communications has announced mega plans to start GSM services across the country.

CDMA players' association AUSPI and RCOM Chairman Anil Ambani lauded the new policy and said this would benefit customers.

Ramachandran said number portability should also cover fixed-line operators.

There was a need for increased competition in the fixed-line segment where 90 per cent of subscribers are with one operator (state-run BSNL).

The COAI also opposed the policy for third generation (3G) services, saying the government was trying to create a monopoly while allowing only a limited number of players.

He said the 3G policy is at direct variation with telecom regulator Trai's report, which had recommended that 3G spectrum be given only to existing operators.