The Hindu Business Line : TRAI asks mobile operators to restrict services within circle

The move comes after it was brought to the notice of the telecom regulator that some of the operators were offering services in the cities adjoining their licensed area. The TRAI directive would mean that consumers who move to cities adjoining their State border would have to pay roaming charges.

"It was brought to the notice of TRAI that wireless services were being provided by some service providers outside the licensing service area of the respective operator. The authority has, therefore, today issued directions to all access service providers to ensure that the service coverage is restricted to the licensed service area only, to carry out regular monitoring of radio spillage actually being provided, initiate steps to minimise the radio frequency spillage, if any," TRAI said. They were further directed to report to TRAI the details of the steps taken by them, including report of drive tests within seven days of the end of each quarter.

The service providers, on their part, had said the problem was due to radio spillage. "Since mobile coverage has a circular footprint it is very difficult to restrict services linearly. We will have to put jammers at State borders to prevent spillage," said an operator.

In a press statement, TRAI said: "Some service providers have mentioned that efforts would be made by them to optimise the radio frequency network so that spillage could be minimised."

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
VSNL Q4 net up at Rs 399 crore

Banks told to simplify claims on death of depositors

Engg grads: The rules of the hiring game

Five banks get new chiefs

Govt plans merger of small steel PSUs with SAIL

TRAI asks mobile operators to restrict services within circle