The Trai and DoT appear to be at loggerheads again as the regulator opposed DoT’s decision to allow mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) to tie-up with more than one operator. The DoT had recently endorsed such a possibility.

“The mobile number portability scenario in India is already complex due to large number of existing players, and the situation would become further complex if multiple parenting is allowed. Calculation of spectrum charges also becomes difficult if virtual operators tie up with multiple existing telcos as each service provider has a different slab for calculating these levies (based on the number of customers they have),” said Trai in a communication to DoT.

Trai said that it will be difficult to manage and maintain service records of MVNOs in case of multiple tie-ups.