Basic players cry foul

The Association of Basic Telecom Operators (ABTO) has come out strongly against the extra 2 per cent reduction in the revenue share for cellular operators that obtained their licences in the first and second round of bidding.

"If one is talking about a level playing field, the benefits should be equal for both cellular and basic operators," the association's secretary-general S C Khanna said.

Khanna pointed out that a penalty and an additional licence fee were levied on basic operators while migrating to the unified licence, to create a level playing field.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has also recommended a change in numbering to ensure fair play.

"The additional sop for cellular players will tilt the field against basic operators," he said.

He complained that equal benefits had not been extended to the two types of telecom operators.