TDSAT notice to Trai, BSNL

NEW DELHI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has served notices on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) and public sector telecom giant Bharat Sanchal Nigam (BSNL) over a petition filed by private GSM operators on additional revenue share for roaming calls.

Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI), the GSM operators’ body, had filed a petition to the telecom tribunal, challenging the additional revenue charged by BSNL for roaming calls. TDSAT has directed Trai and BSNL to file their replies within four weeks.

COAI, which comprises 18 private operators, has said in its petition that BSNL has no right to collect additional charges except the 30 paise fixed by Trai.

It also said that its members would continue paying the additional sum to BSNL till a final decision is reached. The private GSM operators body referred to Trai’s September 11 regulation under which BSNL can charge only 30 paise on national roaming and Rs 3.70 for international roaming.

BSNL has opposed the petition, saying it was not maintainable as COAI had not mentioned the time period and the amount to be refunded.