(a) whether the MTNL has decided to create some categories of telephone users;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the purpose behind the creation of such categories;
(d) whether the Government propose to reduce the rent of residential telephone connections to popularise the telephone among the poorer people;
(e) if so, the details thereof;
(f) the time by which the final decision is likely to be taken in this regard; and
(g) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)
(a) to (c): All tariff related issues come under the purview of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India(TRAI). It has issued a telecom tariff order (20th Amendment) wherein a category of commercial subscribers has been created. Tariff for such commercial subscribers is higher i.e. rental of Rs. 310/- and 45 free calls as compared to rental of Rs. 250/- and 75 free calls for an ordinary subscriber. The process for identification has just begun.
However, it has been decided by the Management of MTNL not to implement the scheme of higher tariff for commercial subscribers to have only one kind of tariff for all types of subscribers.
(d) There is no such proposal at present.
(e) & (f) Do not arise in view of (d) above.
(g) The tariff for basic services is already below cost and there is no justification for further reduction in the tariff.