Airtel, Vodafone, Idea threaten to exit 3G

Major telecom firms Airtel, Vodafone and Idea have threatened to exit 3G services if the government does not approve their pact to provide intra-circle roaming.

Bharti Airtel Chairman Sunil Mittal, Idea Cellular Chairman Kumar Birla and Vodafone CEO Vittorio Colao have written a joint letter to the Prime Minister.

They want a refund of the 3G spectrum payments if intra-circle roaming is not allowed.

The letter asks for a refund of the auction payment with interest as well as compensation for all capital investments made in 3G.

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The roaming pact between the three companies allowed them to provide 3G services in circles where they do not hold a licence.

Telecom watchdog TRAI said this is a violation of the terms of the licence with serious financial implications for the government. The letter asks the Prime Minister to intervene in the matter.