Basic operators today stepped up their pressure on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) against imposing any access charges for a cell-to-fixed-line call.
The Association of Basic Telecom Operators today shot three more letters to Trai against such a move.
This comes even as the telecom regulator holds closed-door meetings to finalise the interconnect usage charges for the various telecommunication services. The association also sought a hearing with the regulator on the issue.
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Trai is planning to levy an access charge of 30 to 45 paise a minute on cell and basic operators. However, the regulator have a tough job of striking a balance between keeping the services affordable, and at the same time, compensating all the service providers.
Cell firms have demanded that an access charge should be levied on wireless in local loop (WLL) operators. Trai is expected to give its order tomorrow or by Monday.
In a letter to the regulator, the association today said some of the key players in the cellular market in India had international partners, like Singtel and AT&T, who are totally opposed to the introduction of any kind of calling-party-pays regime in their respective countries.