Telecom tariffs to become cheaper with ADC cut

New Delhi, Mar 21 (UNI) Tariffs for both long distance and domestic calls are set to fall further with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today shaving off more than 37 per cent in Access Deficit Charges (ADC), a levy paid by private operators to state run BSNL for providing services in rural areas.

The levy for financial year 2007-08 has been cut from Rs 3,200 crore to Rs 2,000 crore, TRAI said.

International long distance (ISD) calls are likely to become cheaper as the levy on such calls has been completely removed from 80 paise being charged now.

All private operators pay ADC to state-owned BSNL for carrying out social obligations like providing services in unremunerative and rural areas.

The new regime would come into effect from April 1 this year.

(Eds: Pick up suitably from earlier series).

UNI