DoT asks FWP operators to fix handsets

The government today directed telecom service providers to ensure strict confinement of fixed wireless phone (FWP) services to the user premises, and said a separate numbering plan should be used to identify such services.

"A separate level within the allocated short distance calling area (SDCA)-based link numbering is to be used for wireline and fixed wireless services," the department of telecom (DoT) said in a clarification issued today.

"Wherever such restriction cannot be imposed, it shall be treated as WLL (M) feature for all purposes including numbering plan, inter-connection usage charges and interconnection arrangements", DoT said.

The terminal used for fixed wireless services should be strictly confined to the premises of the subscriber where the telephone connection is registered. "It is the licensee's responsibility to ensure that the subscriber terminal is operated in accordance with the terms of the licence for fixed lines," it stated.

Welcoming the DoT move, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said: "The crux of the issue was really the access deficit charge (ADC), which was payable on fixed services but not on mobile services. Some FWP service providers were offering the advantage of mobility while collecting the ADC charges on the basis that the service was a fixed service. Thus, these services, which could be used throughout the service area, were creating a non-level playing field for cellular services."