Mumbai: US-based troubled telecom outfit WorldCom has started making part payment of its dues to Tata group, Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd.

"WorldCom is following a certain payment pattern," VSNL said on July 2.

"In the interest of continuing professional business relationship and due to VSNL's constant monitoring of the situation, WorldCom has started the payment pattern," VSNL informed the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

According to industry estimates, the dues could go upto Rs 500 crore while VSNL has maintained that it was "in constant touch" with its US-based lawyers and WorldCom to ascertain the outstanding amount to be settled between the two sides.

"The WorldCom executive vice-president has assured us of cordial and professional relationship and he believes that it will come out of its current crisis," VSNL had said last week.

VSNL said while it would remain as transparent as possible, there would be certain sensitivities in the matter, public discussion on which may have its own effect on the remittances expected from WorldCom.

PTI