Etisalat DB's (formerly Swan Telecom) proposal for a possible merger with Allianz Infratech has been rejected by DoT on the grounds that there is a three-year lock-in period for sale of stake by new operators. Both Etisalat DB and Allianz Infratech had received licences in 2008, though for different telecom circles.

According to the revised norms, promoters of the new licensees will not be allowed to sell their stake in the company within the first three years of obtaining the licence.