Cut in IUC will lead to large-scale shut down of sites: Vodafone

Before the country’s telecom regulator announces new interconnect usage charges (IUC), UK-based telecom major Vodafone has warned that any reduction in charges would lead to large-scale shut down of mobile sites, diminishing coverage in rural areas.

IUC, which an operator pays to another for completing calls, currently stands at 14 paisa per minute. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is in final stages to announce new rates, and according to sources, the charges are likely to be lower than 14 paisa. 

Incumbent operators, including Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular, have been at loggerheads with new entrant Reliance Jio over the