New Delhi, Sept 08: Cellular operators are believed to be considering going back to the telecom tribunal for enforcement of the WLL order, in an attempt to ensure that the limited mobile handsets are restricted within the local area. According to industry sources, the cellular camp is considering options such as going back to the telecom tribunal to plead for enforcement of its WLL order or going for an appeal in the Supreme Court against majority judgement, which permitted WLL services.

No decision has been taken yet, sources said adding that COAI's executive council is expected to meet this week and discuss the issue. When contacted COAI director-general T V Ramachandran refused to comment on the matter, saying "we are considering various options."

COAI has been demanding an immediate implementation of majority order by dot to ensure that no further damage was caused to the cellular industry and its investments.

The areas of immediate enforcement include restricting WLL handsets within the SDCA (local call area) in which it is registered besides restricting WLL operators from using mobile switching centres (MSC) equipments in their networks to ensure that mobility was limited, they say. Most recently, the cellular operators have been stung by Communications Minister Arun Shourie's comments disfavouring the amendment of basic services licences as suggested by the Trai, on the ground that this would open a Pandora's box of litigations.

Bureau Report