TDSAT turns down GSM operators' plea

In a setback to GSM mobile operators, Telecom Disputes Settlement And Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) today rejected their petition challenging Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (Trai) directions to remove differential tariffs for calls ending in the networks of state-owned telecom companies BSNL and MTNL.

A TDSAT bench, headed by Justice Arun Kumar, said there was no merit in charging higher tariffs.

"We do not agree with the arguments put by Cellular Operators Association of India(COAI) for charging higher tariff," the tribunal said in its judgment.