VSNL seeks early start of carrier access code

National long distance service provider VSNL is seeking implementation of carrier access code regime that will give customers freedom to choose the service provider/carrier for making ISD and STD calls.

Customer access mechanisms like carrier access code (CAC) regime, which allows customers to freely choose their long distance carrier should be implemented at the earliest, Subodh Bhargava, chairman VSNL said.

In 2002, telecom regulator had ordered that access providers should immediately make provisions for enabling CAC. Despite this, no access provider has implemented it.

As of now, VSNL, BSNL, Bharti and Reliance Infocomm provide both ISD and STD services. Basic and cellular service providers will need to modify their networks, to enable subscribers to pick the STD/ISD operator of their choice.

VSNL has made several representations to government bodies to introduce carrier access code at the earliest as the stand-alone international long distance (ILD) business model is getting unviable in the current integrated operators model.

VSNL officials pointed that a large part of the market is becoming unaddressable, as an access provider having a captive long distance operation would not outsource its ILD requirements in order to ensure that the business category remains viable. It is necessary that the power of choosing the preferred long distance provider be left to the end-customer rather than forcing captive services.

With CAC, one can bypass the pre-selected carrier, select the preferred carrier. Some long distance carriers also may be accessed in the same manner for domestic long distance calling zone. Bhargava said VSNL was hopeful of a fair and stable policy framework with regard to the National Telecom Policy 2005 slated to be unveiled by end of 2005.

Pitching for unbundling of the assets of the incumbent, he sought "non-discriminatory access to, and unbundling of, the last mile."

Bhargava said VSNL was open for infrastructure sharing in consumer interest. It has built a strong infrastructure and would be happy to make commercially attractive offers to share this infrastructure with other players, he said, adding the purpose is to "avoid the cost of duplication of asset creation and the likely resultant higher tariff for users."

Two months ago, VSNL had made an offer to BSNL to discuss and arrive at a mutually acceptable formula by sharing VSNL's ILD infrastructure that could be used in other business areas like rural telephony. VSNL is awaiting BSNL'S nod to initiate the discussions.