Cell roaming on for cricket fans visiting Pakistan

Cricket can bridge another gap between India and Pakistan "" that of cellular roaming. The communications ministry has proposed the removal of the ban on roaming between the two countries during the forthcoming cricket series.

Communications Minister Arun Shourie said he would take up the issue with Home Minister LK Advani since the service would require a security clearance.

If the proposal comes through, Indian fans travelling to Pakistan will be able to use their mobile phones with the same numbers. At present, an Indian cellphone number, even with international roaming, will be inoperative in Pakistan. The proposal was first suggested by Bharti Tele-Ventures.

"Bharti Group Chairman and Managing Director Sunil Mittal put the point to me today, and I will take it up. It is really a matter for the Home Minister and others to decide, but I propose to allow roaming between the two countries at least for the month when cricket will be played," Shourie said on the sidelines of a 'Made in Pakistan' exhibition organised by FICCI.

Speaking to Business Standard, Mittal said, "Roaming facility for cellular users will bring India and Pakistan closer. In any case, thousands of Indians visiting Pakistan for the matches will benefit."

Mittal said his company was prepared to offer roaming to Pakistan if the government allowed it. "There is nothing in the licence that prevents any mobile operator from offering roaming in Pakistan. But we will await directions from the government before negotiating with Pakistani operators," Mittal said.

Shourie, however, said the ministry could not guarantee the implementation of the proposal since the decision could be taken only by Advani. Asked if there were any security factors related to the proposal, Shourie declined to comment.