Airtel, Vodafone and Idea got relief of another week after the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) adjourned till Jan 17 the case on 3G roaming pacts with DoT in the capacity of licensor demanding the copy of the agreement between the telcos.

The tussle between the government and the operators has intensified over the issue with DoT questioning the tribunal’s jurisdiction on the issue.

DoT in December had termed the 3G roaming agreements between as illegal and ordered them to be scrapped. The telcos retorted by moving TDSAT calling the decision as arbitrary and unreasonable.

Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular got breather on January 3 after Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal TDSAT) has deferred the hearing on their plea against govt decision to scrap 3G roaming till January 9.

“The DoT as a licensor should be aware that there is no 2G or 3G licenceand the licence is common under UASL. This basic and fundamental error of perception colours the entire prospective and action of DoT,” said the operators.

The government is of the view that operators have violated certain terms and conditions of Cellular Mobile Telecom Service License and various terms and conditions of the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) dated 25.02.2010 for 3G/BWA Auction by forging 3G pacts between themselves.