It appears miscommunication is the order of the day at the country’s Communications department. The minister today reportedly refuted that any decision has been made on putting a cap on new operators. He said he is not aware of any such decision being made by him and added that even if the Telecom Commission has made a decision it will be reviewed.

“We have not taken such a decision ... I don'''t think the Telecom Commission has taken such a decision (either). If at all, it again has to be referred to TRAI. I never asked the Commission to deliberate on the issue,” the Minister is reported to have said.

The issue came to light in the last few days when it was reported that the Commission has freezed September 25 as the last date for consideration of new licences. The move left out companies like AT&T, DLF, India Bulls and Tulip out of the race to acquire mobile services licence. Majority of the companies including these firms had applied between September 26 and October 1.

The Minister and the DoT are already under storm over the 2G policy decisions made which are allegedly below market price. This new confusion and denial of stance will certainly compound the problem. It is increasingly emerging that the Ministry is facing miscommunication issues if one believes that such confusion are not deliberate.