BackTDSAT stays BSNL’s around Rs200 cr ADC charge on RCom
TDSAT stays BSNL’s around Rs200 cr ADC charge on RCom
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New Delhi: Telecom tribunal TDSAT has stayed state-owned BSNL’s around Rs200 crore access deficit charge (ADC) demand on Anil Ambani group firm RCom for 20 circles.
The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), headed by chairman Justice S. B. Sinha, in its interim order has also directed the PSU not to disconnect RCom’s point of interconnect (PoI) till its further order.
The direction of the tribunal came over a plea of RCom, which has challenged a demand note issued by BSNL asking it to deposit around Rs200 crore, including interest, for 20 circles as ADC.
BSNL had also threatened to disconnect its PoI if the Anil Ambani group firm failed to meet the payment demand. The time period for the payment of ADC along with interest is to expire on Friday.
The PSU has raised the bill for the period before November 2004, and after August 2005.It has raised different amounts for various circles as ADC on RCom. For the Delhi circle alone, it raised a bill of Rs64 crore.
PoIs between the two operators are a must for subscribers to make and receive calls from different networks. ADC is a levy paid by private telecom operator for funding the PSU’s rural and remote operations.
Earlier, in response to RCom’s petition, TDSAT had as an interim measure directed the company to pay the entire amount claimed as principal by BSNL.
Subsequently, RCom approached Delhi high court against the order, based on which it was directed to contest the case afresh before the tribunal.
The tribunal has posted the matter for further hearing on 28 March 2011.
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