(a) whether during the visit of the Minister of State for communications to United Arab Emirates in January 2002, UAE Minister of Telecom had proposed reduction of Telecom charges between the two countries with a view to increase the calls traffic;
(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) whether any agreement has been reached between the two countries in this regard;
(d) if so the details thereof; and
(e) the steps being taken to implement the same?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)
(a) No, Sir. Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology had discussed reduction of ISD tariff from UAE side.
(b) After the return of Hon`ble Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology from Dubai, Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited(VSNL) has since been disinvested, and management is vested with strategic partner. It is now for the new Management to take a decision.
(c) No, Sir.
(d) & (e): Does not arise in view of (c) above.