FILE - This Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009 file photo shows people walking by a branch of Vodafone in central London. Vodafone, one of the world's largest cellphone companies, revealed the scope of government snooping into phone networks Friday, saying authorities in some countries are able to directly access an operator's network without seeking permission.The company outlined the details in a report that is described as the first of its kind, covering 29 countries in which it directly operates. It gives the most comprehensive look to date on how governments monitor the communications of their citizens. The most explosive revelation was that in a small number of countries, authorities require direct access to an operator's network — bypassing legal niceties like warrants. It did not name the countries. (AP Photo/Sang Tan, file)
Vodafone has asked the government to allocate the spectrum it won eight months ago and extend the validity of the licence by six months, according to company officials.
The company will land in a major problem if the government does not hand over the 1,800 MHz spectrum it won in the last major auction held in February. This spectrum is supposed to replace the 900 MHz spectrum whose validity expires in less than two months. “Under the current situation with very little time left and any replacement of 900 MHz [with 1,800 MHz which has not yet been earmarked] on the prescribed date is bound to considerably impact services despite the company’s best efforts….the changeover under normal circumstances could take at least six months after the earmarking of frequencies,’’ said a company official.
