SC Refuses Stay on WLL Services

The Supreme Court refused to stay a TDSAT order that allowed WLL services to basic telecom operators in the country.

However, the court issued a notice to the government on a petition by the Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI) challenging the TDSAT order on the ground that it infringed the National Telecom Policy-99 and their service agreement. On August 8, by a majority verdict TDSAT allowed WLL services for basic operators. However, a minority judgment by TDSAT chairman and former Supreme Court judge D P Wadhwa termed WLL services as illegal. The petitioner said Wadhwa's judgment should be upheld as it was the correct interpretation of the NTP-99.