TRAI to slash call connect charge to 6 paise/minute from October 1

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Tuesday slashed the rate paid by an operator for termination of mobile call on a rival network to 6 paise a minute, from the current 14 paise. This move by the TRAI may result in lower call charges.

The new call termination charge will be applicable from October 1, 2017 and will be completely eliminated from January 1, 2020, TRAI said.

However, established operators including Bharti Airtel earlier demanded the termination rate to be raised and benchmarked against the actual cost.

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On the other, the new entrant in the telecom industry, Reliance Jio had asked to waive off the charge. Waiving off the charge will benefit consumers, Jio had said.

“On the basis of comments received from stakeholders, in writing or during the open house discussion or during the workshop, the Authority has prescribed revised domestic mobile termination charges through these regulations,” Trai said in a statement.

(With PTI inputs)

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