In a statement on the ongoing carriage charges issue between Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and private operators, the Cellular operators Association of India (COAI) said, ?In a directive issued on October 18, 2011, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has instructed BSNL to restore connectivity to private operators at all points of interconnection (POI) in the Punjab circle immediately.?
?COAI is heartened by the action taken by TRAI in view of the inconvenience faced by customers, owing to the reckless disconnections by BSNL, wrongly citing reasons of non-payment of intra-circle carriage charges by private operators.?
?COAI is appreciative and lauds the efforts of the regulatory body and its outlook towards prioritising customers? interests and preventing disruption of services which are of utmost importance in today?s digital age.?
?TRAI, in its directive, has also referred to; and paid due importance to the earlier order by TDSAT on September 30, 2011, requisitioning BSNL to restore connectivity. BSNL has been directed to restore connectivity at all POIs in Punjab circle and report compliance by October 21, 2011, so as to ensure compliance of the terms and conditions of the basic telephone service license and unified access service licence; which emphasise effective interconnection between service providers and protection of consumer interest.?
?COAI is hopeful that BSNL, in keeping with the spirit of the TRAI?s directive, will not only restore connectivity to private operators in Punjab, but will provide similar respite to the subscribers in the other circles like Maharashtra, Goa, Rajasthan, etc., that have been severely affected by the coercive disconnection activities.?
