ISPs approach TDSAT against DoT on being charged licence fee

The Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI), along with 10 other internet service providers, has filed a petition with the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) against the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), say news reports.

This is on grounds of DoT proposing to impose a licence fee of four per cent on these companies, effective from July 1, 2012.

Currently, internet service providers are not required to pay any licence fee. In the petition, these players have said that DoT cannot amend their contracts without their consent, as this would amount to violation of the same.

In addition, these companies have said that the license conditions can be modified only in public interest or for improper conduct of services. In fact, DoT’s proposal will result in increased tariffs which will adversely impact the end-customer.