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Trai clarifies on BSNL's tariff plan

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India said on Tuesday that Bharat Sanchar Nigam's cellular tariff plan with free incoming calls called "post-paid plan-325" was an "introductory" offer and would be available for only 90 days.

"The pre-paid tariffs and post-paid plan 325 of BSNL have been approved by Trai as an introductory offer, which should not be available for more than 90 days, and that before the end of this period regular and duly approved tariffs for the relevant service areas should be introduced by BSNL," Trai said in a statement.

This assumes significance as Union Communications Minister Pramod Mahajan had earlier in the day categorically dismissed private operators' criticism that BSNL's cellular tariffs were predatory and said: "BSNL launched its cellular operations only after receiving Trai's approval."

Mahajan also said that despite the telecom tribunal's (Telecom Dispute Settlement & Appellate Tribunal) stay order in favour of BSNL, the corporation had still sought Trai's approval for its tariffs.

It may be recalled that the private cellular operators had earlier raised objections on BSNL's 325 plans saying it was anti-competitive and had also questioned BSNL's decision relating to waiver of security deposit for its customers.

Trai said for post-paid tariffs, it had approved two tariff packages mainly "reference tariff package" and post-paid 225 plan.

Trai also said that for a call from BSNL cellular to the basic service network (including local calls), in addition to the airtime charge specified in the tariff package, the cellular subscriber would be charged for the fixed line element.

The regulator also said all decisions on the BSNL's cellular mobile tariff were subject to orders as may be passed by TDSAT.

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