By Harsh Vardhan (Facebook) (Twitter)
The telecom disputes tribunal directed Aircel to pay SMS termination fee of 5 paise per message to Vodafone till the matter is finally resolved by it. It also directed Vodafone to immediately restore its interconnection of SMSs generated on Aircel's network.
Passing an interim order, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal ( TDSAT) asked Aircel to pay 5 paise, half of Vodafone's demand of 10 paise per SMS, as termination fee.
Termination charges are paid by an operator on whose network calls or SMSs originate to the one on whose network these communications end. The charges impact tariffs.
A single-member bench of PK Rastogi was of view that if SMS services between the two operators are disconnected then the consumers would suffer. agencies
"There is a need to examine whether the rates of termination charges demanded by the respondent (Vodafone) are in accordance with the regulation ... and whether such charges are transparent, reciprocal and nondiscriminatory," it said.
The tribunal asked Vodafone to file a reply to Aircel's plea within three weeks. It also granted two weeks time to Aircel to file the rejoinder. agencies
The matter has been listed for January 10, 2013 for final hearing.
In October, Vodafone had demanded Rs 40 crore as SMS termination fee plus applicable tax for the period between April 2011 and September 2012, which was opposed by Aircel.
Vodafone had asked Aircel to clear the dues within 15 days by November 9, 2012. It had also disconnected the SMS termination facility in 5 circles.
It was opposed by Aircel contending that arrangement between them for SMS services was on "bill and keep basis" and Vodafone had unilaterally proposed charging 10 paise SMS termination, which was "arbitrary and illogical".
Taken From The Times Of India
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