TDSAT stays BSNL's ADC demand of around Rs 200 cr on RCom

Telecom tribunal TDSAT has stayed state-owned BSNL's around Rs 200 crore Access Deficit Charge (ADC) demand on Anil Ambani group firm RCom for 20 circles.

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), headed by chairman Justice S B Sinha, in its interim order has also directed the PSU not to disconnect RCom's Point of Interconnect (PoI) till its further order.

The direction of the tribunal came over a plea of RCom, which has challenged a demand note issued by BSNL asking it to deposit around Rs 200 crore, including interest, for 20 circles as ADC.

BSNL had also threatened to disconnect its PoI if the Anil Ambani group firm failed to meet the payment demand. The time period for the payment of ADC along with interest is to expire today.

The PSU has raised the bill for the period before November, 2004, and after August, 2005.

The PSU has raised different amounts for various circles as ADC on RCom. BSNL has raised bills for Navi Mumbai, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Haryana, Karanataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi, Chennai, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Punjab, Gujarat, Orissa, UP West, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. For the Delhi circle alone, it has raised a bill of Rs 64 crore.

PoIs between two operators are a must for subscribers to make and receive calls from different networks. ADC is a levy paid by private telecom operators for funding the PSU's rural and remote operations.

Earlier, in response to RCom's petition, TDSAT had as an interim measure directed the company to pay the entire amount claimed as principal by BSNL.

Subsequently, RCom had approached Delhi High Court against the order, based on which it was directed to contest the case afresh before the tribunal.

The tribunal has posted the matter for further hearing on March 28, 2011.