TRAI recommends choice of operator for STD, ISD calls

New Delhi, Aug 20 (UNI) Giving the subscribers the freedom to choose a service provider, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today recommended that National and International Long Distance operators be permitted to offer STD and ISD voice calls using operator-specific calling cards.

In its recommendations to the government, the reulator said the provision of calling cards would allow consumer to exercise choice of long distance operator for the national and international calls.

''Through long distance calling cards, the customer can make long distance calls from telephone of any access provider....Consumer can subscribe to any access provider and still not be dependent on the access provider for long distance calls,'' TRAI said in a statement.

The Authority has therefore recommended amendment of NLD/ILD operators licence conditions to allow them to access customers directly for national and international long distance calls, respectively.

Competition brought in by carrier selection was considered important for bringing in operational efficiencies in the long distance segment and also in offering choice, quality and affordable prices to the consumers.

Telecom sector is in the process of opening up and availability of carrier selection is considered an important pre-requisite for vibrant competition.

UNI SR AK ND2036