In an apparent reference to the recent advertisement by a section of telecom operators hitting out at limited mobility services, Communications and IT Minister Arun Shourie on Thursday said government would not get into an industry crossfire over wireless in local loop.

"Recently, the basic and cellular sides made a joint presentation expressing willingness to hold another meeting on issues such as spectrum, adjusted gross revenues and rural obligations. But then I saw full page advertisements...its like Western movies where they shoot at each other. Why should I get into the crossfire," Shourie told reporters after a meeting with visiting Sun Microsystems chief Scott McNealy.

This week, some cellular operators had issued an advertisement on WLL services where they termed opting for limited mobile phones as "risky" in view of the legal controversy, and had questioned the affordability of the services.

Stating that the WLL issue would be taken up by Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal, Shourie said that while the licences were service specific, the technology was not.

"Same technology can allow operators to offer all kinds of services...While it would be premature to talk about a one licence regime, personally I feel that in the end that will be the solution. But it would require consultation on issues such as spectrum and modification of signaling equipment. That solution I would work out with technologists such as wireless advisor and experts from IIT," he said.

Asked if government was committed to WLL policy, Shourie said, "We gave out licences, so in that respect government is committed. The issue is what does limitedness (of WLL) mean."

On the proposed Communications Convergence Bill, Shourie said, "The standing committee has given 94 recommendations on the draft Bill. IT Ministry's views are no different. We have asked Telecom Ministry to firm up their views."

Even before the Bill is passed, he said, rules have to be drafted and pointed out, "We have begun preparatory work."