VSNL seeks DoT nod to levy usage-based charges

The Tata group-managed Internet gateway and service provider Videsh Sanchar Nigam (VSNL) has sought permission from the department of telecommunications  (DoT) to levy bandwidth charges on a "usage-based formula" in addition to the existing lump sum and pre-payment modes.

"Many business process outsourcing (BPO) companies have approached VSNL for usage-based network services for their requirement of serving both inbound and outbound calls due to certain peculiar problems like high start-up costs and geographical area limitations," VSNL said in a letter to DoT.

VSNL is planning to charge small and medium-sized start-ups under variable charge international private leased line circuits (VC-IPLCs), a method of providing IPLC services with flexible commercial and usage terms.