" We are looking at setting up an Interconnect Exchange to achieve extensive coverage in newer towns and for a good and quick connectivity. An expert group has been constituted with representation from operators and government agencies," TRAI member D P S Seth said.
The group would be chaired by secretary TRAI and major telecom operators can provide maximum up to two members.
TRAI has asked the department of telecom, Telecom Engineering Consultant and C-DoT to give their representation in the group, Seth said.
The group will consider all aspects and issues connected with realisation of interconnection of various networks catering to different services and size of present and expected future size, and give recommendations within 90 days.
In case the group favours setting up an exchange, it would give recommendations on various issues like "who sets up, pays and owns it?", he said.
The issue of how the operational and maintenance costs are to be financed would also be looked into by the group.
According to sources, most of the leading telecom players have supported the idea of setting up "Interconnect Exchange-cum-Inter-Carrier Billing Clearing House for Multi-operator Multi-Service scenario".
When contacted, BSNL officials welcomed the concept saying it would not only reduce cost and improve efficiency but various issues among different operators would also be addressed amicably.
The group would also look at the number of exchanges required to cover the nationwide network and whether the introduction of number portability, where a subscriber can switch over to another operator without changing his number, could also be addressed through the centralised exchange.
According to Seth, integrated telecom players like BSNL, Reliance and Bharti would be asked to nominate two members each and other major operators like Tata Teleservices, Hutch and Idea Cellular would be nominating one member each.
Besides, all long distance service providers like VSNL would also have representation.