The Hindu Business Line : DoT may restrict fixed telephone to wireline technology

THE Department of Telecom (DoT) is considering a proposal to restrict fixed telephone services to only wire line, the way it was before the CDMA-based fixed wireless technology (FWT) came into the picture.

The move comes after basic telephone operators including Tata Teleservices and Reliance Infocomm "failed" to give satisfactory response to DoT for allegedly violating basic service licence norms by offering mobile services on fixed wireless telephones using CDMA technology.

As per the licence conditions, fixed wireless operators are supposed to restrict the mobility to within the premises of the user's home or an organisation.

However, DoT found that the operators on one hand were using fixed wireless terminals to offer mobile-like services to their subscribers and on the other hand were enjoying the benefits accruing to fixed line telephone users.

Even state- owned Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) was found to be offering unrestricted mobility.

If the proposal comes through, tariffs for fixed wireless phones could increase. That is because under the existing regime fixed wireless phone users are not required to pay any access deficit charge just like a wire line phone user. However, once fixed wireless is kept out of the fixed telephone service licence then an ADC may be imposed to create a level playing field with mobile services.

Mobile operators had earlier complained that subscribers of fixed wireless phones were moving around the telephone terminal almost making it a mobile service. DoT had issued a letter seeking clarification from all the operators offering fixed wireless services.

The letter was sent to Tata Teleservices, Reliance Infocomm, MTNL, BSNL and Shyam Telecom.

Ninety-nine per cent of fixed line phones owned by private operators are using the fixed wireless technology.

"The responses from these operators have not been satisfactory. Tata has introduced a restriction zone but this also provides mobility to a large extent. No step has been taken by MTNL to restrict mobility and Reliance has taken some steps but still it is not being restricted to the premises," said a DoT source. BSNL and Shyam were offering services as per Government approvals.

DoT in March had issued a clarification to all operators to restrict mobility of fixed wireless terminals, following a recommendation from the telecom regulator. DoT sources also said that since provisioning of fixed wireless services have changed the nature and character of fixed services; a penalty may be imposed on the operators.

COAI petition: Meanwhile, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) representing the cellular operators using the GSM technology, has filed a petition in the telecom tribunal (TDSAT) against the fixed telephone operators who have not adhered to the DoT order on restricting mobility.

Basic operators said that since the regulator was already looking at changing the ADC regime and the Government was working on a new telecom policy it would be a retrograde move to introduce such restrictive clause.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
DoT may restrict fixed telephone to wireline technology

Manufacturing powers 11.7% industrial growth in June

Inflation dips below 4 pc on cheaper food

HPCL scouting for foreign partner for Bhatinda project

Oil price hike
Everyone should share the burden: Aiyar

Pilani Invest buyout deal wrapped up for Rs 325 cr — Part-funding by IL&FS

Sensex hits new high intra-day, closes lower

IBA to take up cap on credit for cardholders with RBI