Four ILD service operators ­ AT&T, British Telecom (BT), France Telecom (Equant) and Verizon Communications – are likely to face combined penalties of about Rs 1.1 billion for having started long distance operations in India prior to obtaining the requi

Four ILD service operators –? AT&T, British Telecom (BT), France Telecom (Equant) and Verizon Communications –? are likely to face combined penalties of about Rs 1.1 billion for having started long distance operations in India prior to obtaining the requisite licence in 2006. AT&T faces a penalty of Rs 860 million, BT Rs 117.7 million and Equant Rs 1.166 million for having caused losses to the exchequer and failing to pay a one-time entry fee of Rs 250 million in addition to their annual levies.

DoT’s final decision on the matter will come after the Telecom Commission’s approval.