TRAI's deadline ends, BSNL yet to restore connectivity

UPDATE: According to TheEconomicTimes, BSNL has restored its services in Punjab. A BSNL official revealed, “The Points of Interconnect (providing connectivity between BSNL landline phones and mobile phones of private operators within Punjab have been restored, following directions from the head office.

BSNL’s stand off with private telecos doesn’t seem to end. Today, the 48-hour deadline issued by TRAI on BSNL restoring the interconnection between its landline and private telecos ends. Earlier this month, BSNL locked out private operators like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular due to non-payment of bills. However, this non connectivity hadn’t affected STD calls, but BSNL later went on to completely cut ties with private telecom operators.

TRAI’s deadline for BSNL ends today

TRAI had stepped in asking BSNL to resume the services instantly and also put forth a compliance report. However, BSNL responded with a three page letter requesting TRAI to withdraw the statement as the agreement between BSNL and the private telecos (on non payment of carriage charges) justifies its discontinuation of services.

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Reportedly, BSNL Chairman and Managing Director said that they are taking necessary action, TRAI official maintained they are yet to receive any communication from BSNL while Rajan Mathews, Director General of COAI revealed, “We haven’t received any official confirmation of compliance of TRAI’s directions by BSNL.”

This ongoing dispute seems have affected Punjab, Haryana and Maharashtra and also annoyed users in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali. With the end of the deadline, we wonder if BSNL plans to amicably resolve the matter with private telecos.