(a) whether Government are contemplating to allow call traffic through PSTN switches on capacity leased out to private parties, whereby consumers can benefit from considerably cheaper tariffs as reported in Statesman of June 28, 2000; and
(b) if so, the details of the proposal and the decision taken in the matter?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)
(a) & (b): The news item referred here appeared in the Statesman dated June 23, 2001. As per the recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India in respect of opening of International Long Distance Service to private sector, which has been accepted by the Government, re-sellers are not permitted.