NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Telecommunications today urged telecom PSU, Bharat
Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to allow point of interconnectivity to private
operators.
Speaking at an industry conference on “Shared Cellular Infrastructure” Dayanidhi
Maran, Minister for Communications and IT, said that BSNL should look in to the
issue of interconnectivity to offer quality of service to the customers.
“BSNL will have to work out on providing interconnectivity. Delay in
interconnectivity would only lead to loss of revenue for the company,” Maran
said.
Speaking about removing the 'Dark Spots' on the network, Maran said that
offering point of interconnectivity to the private mobile subscribers would lead
to reduce the congestion level and call drop rates.
It may be mentioned that Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has
pointed out that failure of BSNL to adhere to the regulatory norms on
interconnection has led to congestion in the network.
TRAI had also served notice to BSNL on this issue and held a number of meetings.
The regulator has convened a meeting on July 10 with BSNL to discuss the issue
on point of interconnectivity.
According to Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) there are certain
location in Central and South Delhi where the call drop rates are higher. There
are around 25 to 35 locations, which are being named as 'Dark Spots', by the
mobile operators.
Dark Spots are areas where the network connectivity is poor. DDA colonies in
Delhi have also been identified as the 'Dark Spots' locations as there are no
transmission towers in and around the area.
TV Ramachandran, director general, COAI, said that there are certain agency
restrictions, which bar mobile operators from setting up towers in those areas.
To meet the growing demand of subscribers the government should closely look
into the matter for quality of service.
S Jaipal Reddy, the Minister for Urban Development said that he would look in
the matter, which has restricted setting up of towers in the area.
AK Sinha, chairman and managing director, BSNL, also participated in the
conference.
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BSNL urged to allow point of interconnectivity
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