Without concerns for customer needs, BSNL
went ahead and disconnected the Point of Interconnection between private
cellular mobile operators and BSNL fixed line/ mobile subscribers in Punjab.

Such BSNL action has heavily affected the
fixed line and mobile subscribers in the state (Punjab) who will not be able to
connect to their families and friends in each other’s networks even in critical
situations, COAI said in a press release.

Meetings held with CMD BSNL to resolve the
issue remained futile and BSNL has refused to withdraw their
notice to disconnect the private operators, even after private operators
pointed out that the amount claimed by BSNL i.e. Rs 165.62 crore at a pan-India
level, is erroneous, inflated and not in consonance with the TRAI’s Interconnect Usage Charges (Regulation 2009)”. 

Such amounts are far lower than amounts owed to the
private operators by BSNL and are even backed by Bank Guarantees from the
private operators. Thus no credible reason can be seen for such action by BSNL.

Private operators believe that BSNL has shown callous
disregard for the needs of consumers and has no reason to have initiated the
disconnection action now, especially when the whole matter of interconnection
charges was being reviewed by TRAI pursuant to an order from TDSAT.

By Telecomlead.com Team
[email protected]