3G subscribers of mobile operator Tata Teleservices will have to wait to avail the most looked forward to video-calling service, due to concerns raised by security agencies over interception of such calls.

TTSL today said in a statement it will keep its 3G offerings like video-calling on hold, following concerns raised by security agencies about interception of some 3G services.

Meanwhile, the company, in its statement, noted that such observations have not been made for their state-run counterparts.

State-run telcos BSNL and MTNL have been offering 3G services in the country for about a year

"It is strange that security agencies are not raising these observations in respect of 3G services of BSNL and MTNL, who have been offering the same service for months now," it said.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has forwarded to some operators, two of whom have launched 3G services, observations of security agencies on the testing of facilities, which are required to intercept and monitor video calls.

"Meanwhile, awaiting these clarifications, we have separately informed the DoT that we will keep services like video-calling on hold for now," TTSL said.

TTSL had launched 3G services in the country under its GSM brand Tata Docomo on Diwali this year, while another operator, Reliance Communications started its 3G services yesterday.

Anil Ambani-led Reliance Communications has launched 3G services in four circles, including the three metros -- Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

Other players like Airtel and Vodafone have also announced that their 3G services would commence early next year.