TRAI to step in to solve BSNL’s row with private players

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the state-owned telecommunications company based out of Delhi has been sharing a frictional relationship with the private players operating in the country over payment of dues, since a while now. Reportedly, BSNL is on the verge of cutting off all ties with the private players, and has even sent out notices stating the same to each one of them, unless they comply.

In a row with private players

The case now rests with the TRAI, and the regulatory body has decided to step in to avoid any damage, that may put the subscribers in a fix. According to a report in The Hindu Business Line, BSNL's step would essentially mean that all those who have subscribed to the services of the private players won't be able to make calls to BSNL users and vice versa. The report further reveals that according to the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), if a private operator chooses to 'terminate a call in BSNL's fixed line of network', he would have to shell out 35 paise for every minute. On the other hand, if BSNL chooses to carry out the same, it would have shell out a comparatively lesser 20 paise per minute, as termination charges. It now so seems that BSNL is asking the private operator's to contribute as much as 40 to 85 paise per minute towards termination charges. 

The report also cited quotes from Rajan Mathews, Director-General of the COAI who stated that the private operators 'are not liable to pay this increased termination charges' and subsequently has also asked BSNL to withdraw its notices with keeping the public interest in mind.

In the meanwhile TRAI would study the case, and would then deliver a definitive stance.