Question : LIMITED MOBILITY ON W.L.L SYSTEM

(a) whether the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have recommended limited mobility on Wireless on Local Loop (WLL) services;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the cellular industry has opposed the said recommendations;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the Government have taken any action on the demands of cellular industry;

(f) if so, the details thereof;
(g) if not, the reasons therefor;
(h) whether the private Fixed Service Providers (FSPs) propose to introduce limited mobility at the rate of Rs.1.2 per 3 minute call and with a monthly rental of Rs. 250 in Punjab and Rajasthan;
(i) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(j) the steps proposed to be taken to introduce said tariff facility in all other States in the country immediately;

(k) whether the Government have referred the matter of Wireless in Local Loop (WLL) based limited mobility service to the Group of Telecom and IT convergence; and

(l) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended to allow usage of hand held sets by the subscribers of basic Telephone Service Providers on Wireless in Local Loop (WLL) systems within the local areas, i.e. Short Distance Charging Areas (SDCAs).

(c) & (d): Yes, Sir. Cellular industry has pleaded that the above said recommendation of TRAI would jeopardize the future growth of cellular industry as it would amount to encroachment in their domain. The Cellular industry has also moved the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), a statutory Tribunal, in this regard. The matter is presently before the Tribunal.

(e) & (f): In order to ensure level playing field so as to take care of the interests of cellular industry, the Government has accepted the policy changes and concessions recommended by TRAI for cellular industry.

(g) Does not arise in view of (e) & (f) above.

(h) to (j): The charging of tariffs for the services, publication of tariffs, notifications, provision of information, number of point of interconnection, the charges for access or interconnection with other networks, quality of service etc. shall be as per orders/regulations/directions/determinations issued from time to time by TRAI under the provision of TRAI Act, 1997. At present, TRAI has permitted to charge calls from WLL subscriber @ Rs. 1.20 per unit call, which will be applicable wherever this service is made available.

(k) & (l): The subject matter has been referred for review by Group on Telecom and Information Technology Convergence (GOT-IT), which has been asked to submit its report by 30th April, 2001.