BSNL in talks with RCOM for interconnection

NEW DELHI: Directed by telecom regulator TRAI, state-run BSNL is in dialogue with Reliance Communication (RCOM) to work out an amicable interconnection arrangement for the Anil Ambani group firm's GSM network.

"We are in a dialogue with them (RCOM)... There has been no conclusion yet on the outcome of our talks on a agreeable interconnection arrangement," BSNL CMD Kuldeep Goyal told reporters.

When asked whether BSNL would challenge the TRAI directive, he said "Whether we will challenge the TRAI directive on providing interconnection to RCOM or not depends on the outcome of these talks. Let us see what happens before August 21," he added.

On August 14, TRAI had directed GSM players Idea Cellular, BPL, Voadafone Essar and Bharti Airtel to interconnect with RCom by August 21.

It has also asked state-run BSNL to link up with RCom but the PSU is not a part of the COAI petition.

In a related development, Aditya Birla Group company Idea Cellular is understood to have also worked out a similar interconnection pact with RCOM, according industry sources.

However, it could not be confirmed as Idea Cellular Chairman Sanjiv Aga declined to comment.

A company official, however, said Idea was negotiating with RCOM on the interconnection. But he declined to comment on the outcome.

When contacted T V Ramachandran Director General of COAI, the GSM operators' body, said he had no idea about Idea Cellular's interconnection pact with RCOM.

"But if Idea agrees to interconnect with RCOM it does not become a part of our proposed petition to TDSAT. However, our position to challenge TRAI directive stands," Ramachandran said.

Bharti, Vodafone and BPL now are part of COAI's petition.

Source : Economic Times