The Tata Group quit the highly-competitive sector after nearly 15 years, merging its loss-making consumer mobile business, consisting of Tata Teleservices Ltd and Tata Teleservices Maharashtra Ltd, with Bharti Airtel. HIGHLIGHTS The merger is on a debtfree and cash-free basisBharti will get the Tata consumer mobile business virtually for freeThe deal marks the beginning of a growing relationship between the two corporates which could span businesses such as DTH, enterprise and undersea cable. NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: The shakeout in mobile telecom continued as the Tata Group quit the highly-competitive sector after nearly 15 years, merging its loss-making consumer mobile business, consisting of Tata Teleservices Ltd and Tata Teleservices Maharashtra Ltd, with Bharti Airtel . The struggling venture is saddled with debt of over Rs 40,000 crore, but the Tatas will clear past liabilities and dues as part of the deal. It highlights the rapid consolidation in the sector...