Question : REDUCTION OF ACCESS DEFICIT CHARGE BY TRAI

(a) whether the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) proposes to reduce Access Deficit Charge (ADC);

(b) if so, the extent to which it will benefit consumers;

(c) whether the call rates of private companies are likely to be reduced as to result of such reduction;

(d) if so, whether there is any possibility for the BSNL rates to be increased once the ADC payment is abolished;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether many telecom companies have charged roaming (both international and domestic) deposits from customers;

(g) if so, the details thereof;

(h) whether TRAI considers the reimbursement of these deposits back to consumers; and

(i) if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)

(a) As a part of an Annual Review, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has come out with a Consultation Paper dated 31st January, 2007 which addresses review of ADC regime, the applicable amount of ADC for the year 2007-08 and mechanism for funding/collection of such ADC amount including ADC as Percentage of Revenue, per minute ADC on International Long Distance (ILD) calls and its various variants, admissibility of ADC for other service providers (other than BSNL) for their fixed wireline operations.

(b) to (e) According to TRAI, since no new decision after 23rd February, 2006 has been taken on ADC, no assessment regarding benefit to consumer can be made.

(f) to
(i) As per the tariff framework in vogue, it is permissible for telecom operators to levy refundable security deposits from roaming subscribers.