What A Mess!

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) says DoT has no right to impose the new proposed tariffs. The third and final ordinance of the TRAI (the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, a proposed telecom watchdog) Bill was passed on January 25 this year. One of the most important tasks set up for the regulator is fixing tariffs in a non-competitive manner. How is it, then, that DoT has unilaterally come out with new tariffs on January 29? asks a representative. True, but in the absence of TRAI, the department is the regulator and is within its legal rights to implement the decision as was upheld by the Delhi high court while rejecting COAIs interim stay petition last week.