Pvt players may have to pay revenue based ADC

Telecom regulator Trai is all set to allow private telecom operators to pay access deficit charge (ADC) to BSNL as a percentage of revenue instead of current regime of call based.

"Private operators have been demanding to pay levy known as access deficit charge based on revenues and we are gradually going to that regime," Pradip Baijal chairman of Trai said.

Asked whether this would be recommended as the latest review of ADC regime, Baijal said "yes positively."

Trai could not make the ADC based on revenue as state owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) has been opposing it.

Baijal said the recommendations on next round of ADC review are likely to be announced by August end or middle of next month.

He also indicated that revision in ADC would bring down the telecom tariffs down further. He, however, declined to comment on the quantum of reduction being contemplated in the authority.

But, he said, whenever cross subsidies are reduced it benefits customers.