Indian security agencies have called on 3G operators to delay the launch of video calling because it lacks the equipment to monitor the service.
The Department of Telecom (DoT) has sent letters to Reliance Communications (RCom) and Tata DoCoMo asking them to hold off on the debut of video call and other services, three sources told the Economic Times.
The agencies believe these services cannot be intercepted using existing surveillance infrastructure.
Indian 3G is in the early stages of rollout. RCom launched in four cities on Monday, and Tata DoCoMo last month. Bharti Airtel, which plans to go live by the end of the year, has reportedly also been sent a notice.
Tata DoCoMo told the paper it plans to hold off on the introduction of video calling and other services for now.
RCom, which is also yet to adapt video calls, said security agencies had cleared its 3G equipment and services in October. The operator has also demonstrated the ability to monitor communications over the network.
State-owned BSNL and MTNL have been offering 3G video calling for months but have not been asked to stop the service.