Question : ILD SERVICE

(a) whether the charges of DOT/VSNL for the extension of the international circuits from the VSNL use at Mumbai to the ISP`s services in cities like Hyderabad are very high;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the objective of the Union Government to make Internet Services available inexpensively to Indian users is getting hindered due to these high charges;

(d) if so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard;

(e) whether the Government of Andhra Pradesh have made any suggestions in this regard; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the measures initiated thereon?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRIMATI SUMITRA MAHAJAN)

(a) & (b) No, Sir. BSNL is charging uniformly as per the prescribed tariff of TRAI for leased lines. As regards international segment, the tariff agreed by VSNL with ISPs is not known as VSNL is under the control of private management.

(c) No, Sir.

(d) Does not arise in view of (c) above.

(e) Yes, Sir. The Government of Andhra Pradesh has sent a proposal for enabling of submarine Cable Nodes to inland cities in Andhra Pradesh.

(f) Landing stations have been permitted to be set up within 100 kms from sea shore. Connectivity to Submarine Cable Landing Stations from other cities can be had by taking leased lines from Telecom Service Providers authorised to provide the same. International Long Distance (ILD) and National Long Distance (NLD) has been opened up for private participation which has resulted in competition in these areas. ILD Operators can also set up international gateways in the inland cities using satellite medium.