Subscribers of wireless in local loop phones opting for full mobility should brace themselves for a change in numbering
The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal has wrapped up hearings on the government policy allowing fixed-line telephone firms to offer cheaper limited mobility services and will rule later on the issue.
Interconnect user charge, which was the bone of contention between cellular and wireless in local loop players, would now be implemented with effect from May 1 instead of April 1
Communications and IT Minister Arun Shourie on Thursday said Government would not get into an industry crossfire on wireless in local loop issue.\n\n
TDSAT has adjourned for a day the hearing on a petition filed on interconnect filed by cellular operators against basic players offering WLL.
They are expected to announce special incentives on tariffs and value additions for cellular customers to prevent them from moving away to WLL.
In a major initiative to provide telecom services to rural people using Wireless in Local Loop technology, the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on Tuesday, launched 'Grameen Sanchar Sewak' project.
The government said on Friday that all existing multiple access radio relay systems would be replaced with wireless in local loop technology by the next financial year.
The Advertising Standards Council of India has found Reliance Infocomm's advertisements on WLL telephony misleading for not mentioning conditions applicable with schemes and giving false information on services like roaming.
The government said on Wednesday there will be no unbundling of BSNL and MTNL's fixed line networks for laying of broadband lines by private operators.
After the success of its wireless-in-local loop (mobile) service, Reliance Infocomm on Tuesday launched another innovative communication product -- fixed phones sans any wire connection.
The cellular operators criticised the majority judgement of the TDSAT, which had permitted the WLL services, saying there was no reason given by the two judges to justify their views which were contrary to those of the TDSAT chairman.
TRAI said it will submit recommendations on the TDSAT's directive to work out a level playing field between the cellular and basic operators offering wireless in local loop services, to the government in 2-3 months.
Mirroring the growth in cellular services, the basic telecom including the WLL (mobile) services, has touched 31.82 lakh customers, with Reliance Infocomm leading the tally with 16.7 lakh at the end of June this year.
The latest offering by Reliance Infocomm to popularise its Reliance IndiaMobile wireless in local loop service has met with unexpected success in Kolkata, helping the company to emerge as the largest operator in the post-paid segment.
