DoT may move SC against Airtel, Tata Tele merger

NEW DELHI: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is likely to move the Supreme Court next month, against the telecom tribunal’s decision that mandated it to clear the merger deal between Bharti Airtel and Tata Teleservices, a move which could further delay closure of the transaction.

People aware of the thinking at the department said that DoT wants to safeguard its financial interests, given that dues worth over Rs 8,000 crore on account of one-time spectrum charges (OTSC) are yet to be recovered from the companies.