We’ll explore all options before enforcing reduction in roaming tariff: Trai chief

He said Trai would again discuss the matter with the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and the Association of Unified Service Providers of India (AUSPI) to reach a resolution and the recommendations for the roaming tariff review are expected by January-end.

Misra, however, seemed to agree it would be difficult to make operators agree to a further ceiling in roaming tariffs.

In response to a question on whether Trai would impose a regulation in case operators do not agree to a reduction, he said: “Today we have got their response and we will find out a way how we can move forward to discuss the matter with them…There is already a regulation. Operators are asking to do away with the ceiling and let this be part of forbearance. so they want a further approach of deregulation which in all regulatory regimes are possibilities. But all this must address with respect to affordability and consumers,” he said.

Trai has proposed to revise the existing roaming tariff by fixing a ceiling based on usage. This means there would not be any rental charges and only a composite roaming tariff on a per minute basis.

The Trai chairman also said number portability was necessary for greater competition.

“The recommendations (on number portability) are with the Communications Ministry and we are awaiting their final decision on the matter,” he said.

On the issue of roaming tariffs, COAI and AUSPI have opposed the regulator’s proposal to slash these charges, saying market forces, and not the regulator, should determine roaming tariffs.

All telecom companies, including BSNL, have also demanded they should be allowed to continue with the current system, where outgoing SMS (while on roaming) attract a higher tariff.

However, Bharti Airtel has said the move to set a ceiling for national roaming charges could lead to an increase in the overall tariffs.

Moreover, operators say any attempt to regulate tariff of a small fraction of the overall usage would force operators to revisit their customer tariffs at the higher side which will affect the masses.

Tatas have also said the fixation of tariffs, including roaming tariffs, should be left to the market forces.

Besides, operators such as BSNL have justified the need to charge higher tariffs for SMS on roaming. Since the SMS while roaming involves signaling network and the expense on clearing house service, it should be treated differently from those sent by subscribers in home circle, BSNL said.

— With agencies