MTNL, while clarifying a report that BSNL has asked the company to pay Rs 1,840 crore as inter-connection charges, has said that "an amount of less than Rs 150 crore is due to BSNL."In a release issued by MTNL to the BSE today, the company said its officials have been co-ordinating with BSNL officials to reconcile the traffic details for 2003-04 and 2004-05. "As per the company, an amount of less than Rs 150 crore is due to BSNL as on date," the release added.BSNL, in its letter dated March 22, 2005, had raised a claim of Rs 1,840 crore as inter-connection charges since 2001. "However, this claim of BSNL is not supported by any traffic details. Last year, after the two companies - MTNL & BSNL - were brought to the negotiating tables by the department of telecom on May 27, 2004, the company has calculated its interconnect charges payable to/receivable from BSNL on the basis of decisions taken in the meeting, and intimated BSNL accordingly on July 5, 2004. Also, the company has made an on account payment of Rs 200 crore to BSNL," the release said.
