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VSNL may be asked to seek security clearance

BS Political Bureau in New Delhi

The government may ask Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd to seek security clearance from the government, a mandatory requirement for any international long distance operator in the country.

No security clearance was required for VSNL so far as it was a public sector enterprise.

"Since VSNL is now a Tata-company, it becomes mandatory for the company to get security clearance as is the norm for any other international long distance operator in the country," highly placed sources in the ministry of telecom said.

The sources went on to add that the ministry could cause serious problems for VSNL if the company's management continued to ignore the government's objection over diversion of Rs 12 billion from VSNL's surplus to Tata Teleservices.

They also questioned the arguments advanced by Tatas that by deciding to invest in Tata Teleservices, VSNL has been provided with a big customer base. They said after the recent Trai decision to open the international long distance services, consumers could easily get access to any of the operators.

The tie up with Tata Teleservices will not give VSNL any special advantage," they added.

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