GSM players to provide interconnectivity to Rcom: Trai

Telecom regulator Trai today asked GSM mobile service providers including Bharti, Vodafone to provide interconnectivity to Anil Ambani group Reliance Communications for starting its services in dual technology.     

Trai directed Bharti, Vodafone, Idea, Spice and BSNL to allow interconnection of RCOMs' GSM network with these operators so that the company can launch its Global System for Mobile communications-based Cellular Services without any further delay, sources close to the development said.    

The telecom watchdog also cautioned these operators that non-compliance would invite action as per the act.     

Rcom has been offering Code division multiple access (CDMA)-based mobile service throughout the country and has recently been allowed by the government to start GSM service simultaneously.     

The GSM operators had been opposing the entry of Rcom in GSM mobile services sector.
The operators had also petitioned in TDSAT and High Court against the policy of government to grant Dual Technology Spectrum to the company.     

Rcom had already done the soft launch of GSM service in Delhi.     

To begin with, the company has offered over 1,000 connections to its employees as part of soft launch and after review Rcom would offer services on commercial basis, sources close to the development said.     

Launch of GSM-based cellular services by Rcom will bring in more competition, better choice to the customers, affordable tariffs and better quality of services.