New Delhi: Inter-acting with the telecom industry for the first time after taking charge as Communication and IT Minister, Arun Shourie on February 14 expressed concern over the increasing number of litigations in the sector, saying the atmosphere might affect flow of foreign investments into the country.

The acrimonious atmosphere created by increased litigations among service providers was bound to have its impact on the foreign investors, Shourie said in his opening remarks at an interaction with telecom industry stalwarts.

He asked the industry to suggest a solution while pointing out the areas of problems.

The meeting is being attended by various sections of telecom industry including Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI), Association of Basic telecom Operators (ABTO), pagers industry and individual players.

According to sources, Cellular Vs WLL (Wireless in Local Loop) was likely to be the focus area of discussion at the meeting.

The meeting assumes significance as hearing on COAI's petition against WLL services is beginning on February 24 in the Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellete Tribunal (TDSAT).

PTI