TDSAT asks DoT to reply to its notice pertaining to the licence fee issue within two weeks

The internet licence fee issue shows no sign of abating.

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

This was 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 said that DoT could not amend their contracts without their consent, as this would amount to violation of the same.

In addition, these companies said that the license conditions could be modified only in public interest or for improper conduct of services.

Now, in response, TDSAT has issued a notice to DoT in this context and has asked it to file a response within two weeks.

The tribunal has asked also granted more time to the internet service providers to file a rejoinder. The matter will be heard next on August 8, 2012.