COAI derides common interconnect exchange

NEW DELHI: Citing increase in carriage charges, the Cellular operators association of India (COAI) has opposed a common Interconnect Exchange proposed by TRAI, saying it will increase tariffs and affect service quality as well.

"If we have a common interconnect exchange, there will be a considerable increase in carriage charges and that will adversely impact the margins/customer tariffs. Moreover, the quality of service will also suffer due to additional switching stage and longer haulage of all inter-network calls", according to a COAI representation to TRAI.

A common Interconnect Exchange for the entire circle will have considerable disadvantages visa-a-vis the existing system of direct inter-connection, the release stated.

Interestingly, the cellular operators association has favored an inter-carrier billing clearinghouse. "Such a clearinghouse should be initiated as a first step. It has already been taken by the cellular industry as all roaming charges are settled through an independent clearinghouse," the release stated.

According to COAI, the major concerns in using a common Interconnect Exchange lie in additional switching stage that will be added for all inter-network calls and the average carriage distance that will increase considerably.