Problem when I use TNSNAMES.ORA file to connect with database

Hi,
I'm a bit confused with TNSNAMES.ORA file. When I was connecting my database from my client location(UK) with service name "utv015"(as it is in tnsnames.ora), it was working fine. But when I try to connect to the same database with same service name and setting from India, it is not connecting even within the same client network. However If I change the tnsnames.ora file to reflect the service name to "utv015, utv015.seml.xyz.net = ( blaa..bla…)" (only the service name not other information) and connect the database with service name "utv015.seml.xyz.net", it is responding. I am just wondering what is happening here as this name is simply an alias.
What is the impact of this service name?
Thanks.
