BT may offer low-powered GSM in India

British Telecom (BT) of the UK is considering a low-powered global system for mobile communications (GSM) service in India, which can bring down the costs significantly on calls made by mobile phones inside offices.

Speaking to Business Standard, BT Global Services Chief Executive Officer Andy Green said, “Low-powered GSM is part of our 21st century network solution and we are ready to explore, if it is allowed, in India.”

India does not issue separate licences for such services. Existing GSM licence holders can go ahead and offer the service, but given their outdoor orientation, the viability may be an issue.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had some time ago suggested the possibility of such networks in the country. Read more at Business Standard

Make calls abroad, it's getting cheaper

NEW DELHI: Consumers have all the reason to smile. Their telephone calls abroad would become cheaper beginning April 1. Following a steep cut in Access Deficit Charges (ADC) announced by the Telecom Regulatory and Development Authority (Trai), the telecom operators are bound to bring down the tariff outgoing and incoming international calls across the spectrum.

The ADC on outgoing ILD calls has been abolished completely. The access deficit charge rate on incoming international calls has been slashed to Re one from the prevailing Rs 1.60 per minute.

This will lead to lower telecom tariffs on services provided by the operators. Trai has directed the telecom operators to pass on the reduction in ADC charges to the consumers.

Read more at Economic Times

Trai willing, ISD calls may cost less from April 1

International long distance calls (ISD) may become cheaper as telecom regulator Trai is considering reducing levy on both outgoing and incoming ISD calls from April 1.According to sources, Trai will be meeting this week to finalise the annual review of access deficit charge (ADC), a levy being paid by private operators to BSNL for rolling out services in remote and rural areas, which may be reduced on ISD traffic.The ADC on both outgoing and incoming ISD calls may be reduced by up to 50% and the current total ADC of 1.5% of gross revenue is also likely to come down to 1%.As per the road map, the total ADC, currently at Rs 3,335 crore, should be lowered to Rs 1,600-1,800 crore for FY08 before being phased out by next fiscal to 0.

Read more at Business Standard