TERM Cells Imposed Fine of Rs 700 crore on Defaulting Telecom Operators

The Telecom Enforcement, Resource and Monitoring (TERM) Cells imposed fines of Rs 700 crore on various telecom operators for carrying out illegal and clandestine activities in their services. The fine was imposed on the telecom operators particularly for noncompliance of the subscriber verification process.

The fine was imposed on those defaulting entities which did not comply with government orders despite repeated warnings that 100 per cent verification of each and every subscriber was absolutely necessary for interests of the country's security. There have been several instances in the past where terrorists used mobile phone connections, which were issued without verification, to carry out terror acts in India.

Apart from the fine, wherever the shortcoming is serious in nature and whenever necessary, local police even register cases against the defaulter.

Because of non-compliance of the government rules, the Centre had in the past suspended operations of pre-paid mobile connections in Jammu and Kashmir. Cellular services to nearly 38 million prepaid cell phone subscribers in J&K, who comprise 60% of total clientele in the state, was restored only after seven operators promised compliance with verification process.