Internet services may become dearer

BHARUCH: An amendment with regards to the seven per cent hike in licence fee imposed by Department of Telecommunication (DoT) by way of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) has brought the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) under an umbrella to oppose it.

The Internet Service Providers' Association of Gujarat (ISPAG) plans to take up the matter with the authorities. The first meeting of the association was held in Ahmedabad on Friday with 17 of the 24 ISPs participating in it and electing their office bearers.

Rajesh Panwala, president of ISPAG said, "ISPs are facing stiff competition and are also spending a huge amount on advanced technologies. There are several issues that need to be answered by the government." He said that with the ISPs already making huge losses, the additional cost will lead to an increase in the cost of internet facilities and finally the burden will be on the consumers.

The All India Internet Service Provider Association has already filed a petition in the telecom tribunal TDSAT on this issue and a verdict is expected next month.