TRAI for interconnect exchanges in state capitals

Kolkata, Jun 23 (UNI) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today called upon Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to offer its infrastructure for interconnect exchanges in all state capitals to solve interconnectivity problems among telecom operators.

" We need interconnect exchanges in all state capitals to solve the communication problems between telecom operators, " TRAI Chairman Nripendra Misra said.

" State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) should come forward and offer its infrastructure for interconnect exchanges in lieu of a specified fee, " he suggested.

Misra was talking in the sidelines of a Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI) seminar.

Meanwhile, Misra said the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and the Association of Unified Telecom Service Providers of India (AUSPI) has agreed to appoint a national Ombudsman for looking into consumer complaints.

" The ombudsman will likely be appointed in six weeks time, " he said.

" TRAI would send its recommendations about spectrum for 3G by September this year, " he said.

" The Universal Service Organisation (USO) funds may be utilised for growth of rural telephony under the wireless platform, " he said.

Eds: Pick up suitably from earlier series.

UNI TJP SJC RN1810