New Delhi, Oct 29: Bharti Group, the largest private cellular operator, today welcomed the new interconnection user charge regime announced by TRAI saying it has brought in the uniformity in the structure but expressed concern over its impact in the international long distance arena. "The new regime of IUC and access deficit charge (ADC) is uniform and this will bring in the much-desired level playing field in the industry. It is a simple format," Akhil Gupta, Joint Managing Director of Bharti Televentures told reporters soon after the announcement of TRAI's IUC regime.
He, however expressed concern over reduction in termination charge and a minor hike in carriage charges. "We feel this is inadequate," he added.
Meanwhile, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) felt that the tariffs for cell-to-cell std calls between two circles could go up depending on the distance slabs as a direct result of TRAI's new regime.
"This is absolutely illegal and unfair. Cellular customers are being made to pay for fixed network which they are not using," T V Ramachandran, Director General of COAI said.
Both COAI and Bharti, which is also an ILD operator, felt that the ADC structure on cell originated ISD calls could lead to hike in tariffs and would give an impetus to grey traffic.
Gupta declined to comment on whether there would be any realignment of tariffs.
Bureau Report