DoT plans to make it mandatory for telecom companies to open their networks

DoT plans to make it mandatory for telecom companies to open their networks

The Department of Telecom (DoT) in India is planning to make it mandatory for the telecom companies to open their networks to roaming customers from other service providers.

This could be implemented after the introduction of third generation (3G) telecom services in India which is already massively delayed.

This move would benefit the private operators the most as they would get access to the extensive network of BSNL and MTNL.

Their proposal also plans to enable 3G subscribers to roam on the existing 2G networks.

DoT’s committee report spoke on this issue: “In view of the limited number of service providers being recommended for 3G services and the fact that the extensive, country wide roll-out of 3G networks will take a reasonably long time, the 3G customers will have to depend on 2G networks and services in areas where 3G services are not available, or on 3G networks of other operators, wherever available for such time. Hence roaming amongst all service providers would be required and is therefore recommended to be mandated.”

BSNL is the only telecom operator in the country right now which does not share its infrastructure.