Breather for telcos on 3G services

After asking telecom operators to seek security agencies' approval before launching 3G services, the department of telecom (DoT) has asked them to classify the existing 3G services as "value-added services".

This implies that the operators can continue offering 3G services like television clips, video ring tones and movie trailers even if security agencies have not approved the monitoring arrangements.

The operators have, however, been asked to specify their plans to put in place monitoring facilities for the existing 3G services and the time they will take for this.

In a fresh communication to the operators, including state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd, the DoT said the existing 3G services must be replaced by "value-added" wherever it appears in the first letter.

In an earlier letter to the operators last week, the DoT had said, "All the service providers are directed to start 3G services only after making satisfactory monitoring arrangements and testing of such arrangements by authorised security agencies."

The move was initiated after the home ministry expressed apprehensions regarding facilities for monitoring all value-added services including 3G.

The DoT had also asked the operators to inform it of "the provision of any new service or facility along with the details of provision made for lawful interception and monitoring of these facilities at least 15 days in advance".

The launch of full-fledged 3G services in India has been delayed for over an year as the government is yet to free the spectrum from the defence forces.