Competitive tariffs are a priority: Baijal

The ongoing litigations and controversies in telecom sector notwithstanding, the new Trai chairman Pradip Baijal said on Monday that he would work towards reducing the differences among the telecom operators while ensuring competitive tariffs along with service quality.

Terming telecom as a 8216;complex sector8217;, Baijal said that given the number of players and also the different services, it was natural to have differences, and the role of the telecom regulator was to find the best path forward. 8216;8216;The telecom regulatory act clearly defines the role of the regulator, that there should be a level playing field, competition and the sector should grow. I will work on these parameters as a priority,8217;8217; Baijal said here.

Stating that competition in the telecom sector had benefited consumers in domestic and international long distance services, Baijal said: 8216;8216;the regulator should enforce competitive tariffs consistent with service quality, and that is the direction in which we will move.8217;8217;

Asked about his perception on whether Trai had adequate powers to ensure compliance to regulations, Baijal said it was key to holding intense consultations with the government so that the consumers would benefit. On the policy-related controversies in the sector such as limited mobility, Baijal said he was currently studying the issues.