Thursday, March 10 2005 16:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Continuing its drive to discipline private telecom players, Government has asked Tatas to show cause as to why their licence not be cancelled for violating the licence conditions while offering its Push-to-Talk (PTT) services.

Tatas have to respond to the Government notice, close on the heels of action against Reliance Infocomm, as to why the licence not be cancelled or a fine imposed by month-end, company officials said.

Although Tatas have stopped offering PTT services, launched about three months ago offering subscribers to talk anywhere on its network for Rs 99 a month, Government has sought explanation for the violation of licence conditions.

Tata Teleservices had earlier defended the service saying it was being offered under the Internet Service Provider licence.

DoT had sought clarifications from the private operator on various issues including numbering plan followed by Tatas while offering PTT and their compliance to Interconnect User Charge (IUC) which includes payment of levies like Access Deficit Charge for STD calls.

"The licensor has asked for our clarification on the PTT service, currently offered by us on a trial basis. We look forward to providing the necessary clarifications so that this innovative service, widely available globally and hitherto unavailable to the Indian consumers, can soon be provided," Tatas' officials had earlier said.