Calling cell operators: see reason

In doing so, the TRAI has acted correctly to regulate the cellular service licence conditions which makes it mandatory for CMSP8217;s to ensure interconnection to all telecom service providers for the smooth flow of traffic and to meet quality of service QOS norms.

The action of TRAI is within the framework of RIO Regulations Reference Interconnect Offer, 2002. The objective of these regulations is to ensure connectivity within a stipulated period. The regulator is not dictating the outcome but is only preventing willful delay on the part of the incumbents. Every subscriber wishes to reach other subscribers and he or she is not overly concerned with the network externalities.

The desire to handicap one8217;s competitors is, of course, universal. But the cellular operators have taken a totally extraordinary step by not only challenging the authority of the TRAI but even accusing it of being biased and arbitrary and favouring the WLL service providers.

They have also tried to raise issues which are separately subjudice and are doing this, it appears, only to confuse the public. The full page advertisement by CMSPs against a particular decision of TRAI is not only in bad taste but will set a wrong precedent that every service provider can rush to the media to air their grievances or annoyance with the regulator8217;s decisions when a remedy has already been provided in the TRAI act, allowing them to seek a review or go in for an appeal.

It is not clear how they are serving the interest of the industry if they spread disinformation about the regulatory body in order to malign its functioning and exert pressure on the regulator to decide some of the issues from their perception. The COAI has sought to project the interests of one class of users as if their interests are pitched against the interest of the other class.

In doing so, they are attempting to prejudge the issue, for it is the regulator who has to take a balanced and objective view in the larger public interest and in the overall interest of the telecom industry. There is no gainsaying the fact that telecom regulation in the country is considered to be moving in the right direction and in a transparent manner. This deserves to be supported and commended.

Therefore the cellular operators, by attempting to undermine the authority of TRAI, are only barking up the wrong tree and creating suspicion in the public mind about the independent regulatory process, which is new and still evolving in this country. It is equally important for competition to grow in the telecom sector. Lest it is forgotten, it is the competition 8212; which has been made possible by the TRAI through its innovative tariff regime 8212; that has led to the price reduction and other value-added benefits from these cell companies.

So let us not try to kill the credibility of an institution that is doing a commendable job in creating a competitive framework of regulation which is aimed both at protecting the consumer as well as the interests of the telecom Industry. It will be foolish to bite the hand which feeds one.

The writer is a former chairman, Electricity Regulatory Commission, Haryana