Expect cut in cell phone tariff by April 1

Telecom tariffs are expected to fall from April 1, 2007 with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) lowering interconnection charges between two networks by 23-29%.

According to the statement issued by Trai, with rising competition in the telecom sector, interconnection among service providers has become an essential requirement for the development.

In the multi-operator multi-service scenario, establishment of effective interconnection helps consumers of one network to communicate with consumers of another network.

Trai said there has been a long pending demand by interconnection seekers that port charges need to be reviewed to align with the current switch and exchange costs.

"Interconnection seekers are mandated to place their demand for the required number of ports, on every Point of Interconnection (POI) on the basis of traffic projection, on six monthly basis" the statement added.