Telecom operators on Saturday settled on a 'unanimous solution' over the method for implementing the Interconnect Usage Charges regime, paving the way for the regime to come into effect from May 1, 2003.

The implementation of the IUC regime would bring with it new basic telephony packages as also free incoming calls for cellular subscribers.

"Implementation of the IUC regime shall take place on the scheduled date of May 1, 2003. Some operators had informed us that they faced technical difficulties in implementation of IUC regulation. After discussions, a generic interim solution emerged on the method for implementation, and this was  unanimously accepted by everyone," TRAI Chairman Pradip Baijal told reporters in New Delhi.

Under this option, the reconciliation of data would be done by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd on an offline basis. The interim phase would end by March 31, 2004 with implementation of Call Data Record-based billing system by all operators including BSNL.

TRAI said it is also taking up with Department of Telecom a related issue of standardisation of Wireless in Local Loop mobility numbering for all basic service operators.

"We will be taking up with the licensor, that guidelines are issued for Wireless in Local Loop numbering, so subscribers know they are making limited mobility calls," a TRAI official said.