The deadlock between GSM operators and Reliance Communications was finally settled on Thursday with all the operators agreeing to provide interconnection to RCOM's GSM network.

“There is no row, they (GSM operators) have agreed to provide interconnection to the company (Rcom) they will honour the TRAI directive," Nripendra Misra, Chairman, TRAI said.

Although the truce was brought about by TRAI, Misra said, “The regulator did not mediate we just discussed the matter with them heard their grievances and they have agreed to provide the interconnection."

This means Bharti and Vodafone will now connect their GSM network with RCOM's upcoming network in the same technology platform, averting a full-blown legal battle.

Earlier, the country's largest telecom operator BSNL agreed to provide interconnection to RCOM's GSM network.

"When others are doing it (giving link to RCOM), we will also do it. We have no choice. We always follow TRAI's directives," BSNL Director Finance S D Saxena said.

Cellular Operator Association of India Director General T V Ramachandran said, "We are happy that we are moving towards a resolution under the good offices of TRAI on the matter in a fair and equitable manner. Since there seems to be all-round efforts to resolve the issue, there is no need of going to TDSAT over the matter."

Five other operators - MTNL, Aircel, Tata Communications, Spice and Idea Cellular - have already agreed to open their networks to RCOM.

TRAI had allotted time till Thursday to give interconnection to RCOM or face penalty. The move would pave way for RCOM's smooth GSM network rollout as its subscribers would be able to connect with other mobile users.