GSM operators led by Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular have been demanding that Reliance Communications should enter into separate interconnectivity agreement for its GSM services.
Telecom regulator TRAI has issued two directives to GSM players asking them to sort out connectivity issues with Reliance Communication’s GSM network by August 21. The regulator will write to the Department of Communication to take strict actions against such companies if the fail to comply by its directive in the given time. GSM operators have been saying that Reliance can not use the CDMA interconnect agreement for GSM services. These companies want the company to enter in to a separate GSM connectivity agreement for its services.
Reliance Communications is expected to launch its GSM services in 14 circles this year. However, it cannot do so until its connectivity issues are resolved. The company contends that since its license for GSM is not separate but dual technology use license, which permits it to use both GSM and CDMA platforms, there is no need to enter into a separate connectivity agreement.
