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BSNL wants Net telephony deferred

Thomas K Thomas

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd has asked the department of telecommunications to postpone the launch of Internet telephony by six months.

In a written communication to the DoT, BSNL said the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India should first address issues relating to interconnection and revenue-sharing between Internet service providers and other access providers.

The government plans to allow Internet telephony services from April 1 along with the opening of the international long-distance sector.

BSNL, whose STD operations are likely to take a hit once Internet telephony is introduced, said: "Internet telephony should be allowed at least six months after the international long-distance sector is opened up and cost-based tariffs in basic services are introduced."

The company also said: "The Trai recommendations are suggesting a backdoor entry of ISPs into the business areas of basic operators, cellular service providers and national long-distance operators without any entry fee, licence fee, contribution to the universal service fund and also without discharging any liability towards the obligatory rollout of telecom services."

On the other hand, the Internet Service Providers Association of India said Internet telephony would have a catalytic impact on the convergence of the information technology and telecom sectors.

"We believe the government will accept these recommendations in toto. The existing policy should not be allowed to hold back benefits accruing from technological innovations," ISPAI said.

Others who have given their comments to DoT include the cellular operators who have raised objections on Trai's definition of Internet telephony.

The Telecom Industry and Services Association of India said PCO operators should be allowed to provide Internet telephony on the basis of fixed-time usage. Basic operators have asked DoT to outline rollout obligations for ISPs for offering services in rural areas.

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