Cellular Firms For Trade-Off On Call Rates
Cellular operators are trying to work out a compromise with the department of telecommunications (DoT) over the latters proposal to raise fixed-to-cellular call charges. The companies are suggesting both technical and fiscal solutions to the vexed issue.
They have also started lobbying DoT and the finance ministry to seek redress for their problems even as a case between the Cellular Operators Association of India and DoT over the hike is being heard in the Delhi high court.
The technical solution that the cellular operators are suggesting hinges on a sophisticated numbering plan which advocates a district-wise plan rather than a state-specific one as at present. If accepted by DoT, local calls will be billed at the normal rate of Rs 1.25 for a call, but more for a inter-district call.
A numbering plan includes the area code, exchange code and subscriber-specific number and sets the sequence of digits in a telephone number. For instance, a typical DoT telephone number in Delhi would have seven digits the first three digits specifying the exchange under which it operates and the last four digits will be subscriber-specific.
In the case of cellular networks, the numbering plan is based on circles that cellular companies operate in. Therefore, Delhi has an access code 98100- (in the case of Airtel) and 98110- for Essar Cellphone. Maharashtra has 98220- and 98230- access codes.
This is the crux of the problem, says a telecom consultant. A uniform cellular code all across the circle (the operating service area) allows a cellphone user to receive a call anywhere in the circle.This means a potential bypass of DoTs long-distance network within the network. At the low tariffs that cellular companies plan to charge for such calls, there is a distinct possibility of DoT subscribers shifting to the cellular operator, he adds.
The numbering plan being suggested by some cellular operators envisages a district-wise numbering plan. That is, a subscriber in Ahmednagar would have specific access codes like, say, 98221- or 98231- and another user in Pune would have 98222- or 98232-.
Such a numbering scheme will mean that a Pune fixed-to-cellular call would be billed as a local call if the cellphone user is in Pune. However, if the Pune mobile subscriber travels to Nasik (which would be outside the Pune calling area), the call would be billed as a roaming call with DoT getting a share of the call charge. Roaming enables callers to reach a cellular number anywhere within the country and is generally based on an 80:20 revenue sharing principle between operators.
The fiscal package being suggested by some operators envisages DoT getting some of the licence levies to fund its network expansion.If DoT is allowed a portion of the licence fees, it might be convinced to withdraw the hike, a telecom source said.