(a) the number of private parties which have been issued
licences for starting International long Distance Service
(ILDS) as on March 31, 2002;
(b) whether any guidelines have been framed for issuing
licences;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether Telephone Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
had fixed tariff rates for ILDS; and
(e) if so, t he details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRIMATI SUMITRA MAHAJAN)
(a) The number of private companies holding International
Long Distance Service lincence as on 31st March, 2002 is four.
(b) & (c): Yes, Sir. The details are at Annexure-I.
(d) & (e): Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
prescribes ceiling tariffs rates for ILDS, the details are
at Annexure-II.
Annexure-I
DETAILS OF ILD GUIDELINES
- The ILD Service was opened to private sector with
effect from 15.01.2002.
- All Indian registered companies having a networth
of Rs.25 Crores are eligible to apply.
- The foreign equity of the applicant company should
not exceed the sectoral cap of 49 %.
- The applicant company is required to pay
Rs.50,000/- as processing fee along with the
application.
- The entry fee is Rs.25 Crores to be submitted
before signing licence agreement along with Bank
Guarantees of Rs.25 Crores.
- There is no restriction on number of operators.
- The licence is valid for 20 years from the date of licence agreement.
Annexure-II
Pulse Rate for Categorisation of various From 1st ceiling tariffs countries for the purpose April, 2002 for International of charging (Seconds) Subscriber Dialed Calls
SAARC and other 3.3 Neighboring Countries
Countries in Africa, 2.3 Europe, Gulf, Asia and Oceania
Countries in American 1.8 Continent and other Places in Western Hemisphere