Infrastructure sharing to cut mobile tariffs further: Govt

New Delhi, Apr 1 (UNI) To bring down mobile tariffs further and increase tele-density in rural areas, the government today permitted the telecom service providers for sharing the active infrastructure like subscriber lines, electronics, switches and other equipments.

''The guidelines are aimed on reducing the input costs on telecom access providers which the telecom ministry hopes will facilitate in reducing tariff and increasing tele-density in the rural areas'' Telecommunication Ministry said.

The Ministry said the active infrastructure sharing will include antenna, feeder cable, Node B, Radio Access Network (RAN) and transmission system only.

''But sharing of the allocated spectrum will not be permitted,'' the Ministry added.

Infrastructure Providers (IP) are allowed to seek Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocations (SACFA) siting clearance for erecting towers with or without agreement with licensed telecom service providers.

SACFA procedure is being further simplified to reduce the time for SACFA clearance to about 45 days.

The Ministry said the service providers may share passive infrastructure in accordance with the existing provisions in the licences of BSOs, CMSPs and UASLs.

For giving financial incentives on the infrastructure sharing in the urban areas, State Governments shall be requested to charge same amounts for setting up of the shared tower irrespective of the number of Service Providers, the Ministry said.

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