Regulator wants level playing field for Telcos, ISPs

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The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (Trai) recommendations on Internet services will not help customers or independent Internet service providers (ISPs). However, they will definitely usher a level playing field between telecom service providers and ISPs.

In order to bring parity between unified access service licence (UASL) providers and ISPs, the regulator has imposed on ISPs an annual licence fee of 6 per cent of the adjusted gross revenue (AGR). This will increase the cost of services for independent ISPs. In those areas where only independent ISPs are present, prices of services may increase.