Date:31/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/08/31/stories/2005083100900400.htm

Back Mobile operators hail move to consider FWT phones as mobile services

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Aug. 30

THE Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) today expressed its support to the decision taken by the Department of Telecom (DoT) to consider fixed wireless terminal (FWT) phones on a par with mobile services.

Mr T.V. Ramachandran, Director General, COAI, said that this decision would benefit 60 million cellular subscribers as it would restore level-playing field between all mobile services.

"The DoT's decision ensures that such services, which are being offered in the name of fixed wireless, but which do not conform to the scope and character of fixed services and in fact provide the character of limited mobile services, should attract similar charges as mobile users," Mr Ramachandran said.

The CDMA operators such as Tata Teleservices and Reliance Infocomm have been the major losers as a result of the DoT order. The Association of Unified Telecom Service Providers had earlier objected to the decision saying that it would have a significant impact on their fixed line roll out. CDMA operators are planning to approach the Prime Minister against the DoT decision.