Basic telecom operators have sought Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's intervention to examine the mobile-to-mobile STD tariff cut by the cellular operators saying that new tariffs are "anti-competitive and anti-consumer."
In a letter to Trai chairman M S Verma, Association of Basic Telecom Operators said that, "The so announced long distance tariffs is anti-competitive and has not been duly examined and approved by the regulator."
In case of distance slab between 50 kms and 200 kms, Abto said, consumers would have to pay Rs 2.99 per minute along with airtime compared to Rs 2.40 (during peak hours) being paid by the consumers prior to the implementation of Thursday's STD tariff cut by the cellular operators.
The announcement is in complete violation of Trai reporting requirements for consumer tariffs, Abto said adding that, "Long distance tariffs do not come under the forbearance allowed to cellular companies as per the telecom tariff order."
Thursday private cellular operators had announced up to 65 per cent cut in the mobile-to-mobile STD rates bringing it down to Rs 2.99 beyond 50 kms.