Monday, January 31 2005 14:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In a major relief to TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) and consumers, the telecom tribunal today (Jan 31, 2005) refused to grant a stay, sought by MTNL (Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Limited), on the new Access Deficit Regime starting tomorrow (February 1), paving the way for lower long distance mobile calls.

This is only an interim order and the matter has been posted for hearing on February 24.

It will still be open to TDSAT (Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal) to consider MTNL's petition on merits of the new ADC (Access Deficit Charge) regime as the tribunal has already ruled that it had prima facie jurisdiction to adjudicate on matters relating to regulations.

Meanwhile, the tribunal allowed Association of Unified Service Providers of India (AUSPI)'s application to be treated as an appeal. AUSPI had earlier filed an application to intervene in the case.

TDSAT asked TRAI to give a reply to the main petition filed by MTNL and that of AUSPI within two weeks. The tribunal has maintained that it has jurisdiction to hear the matter in the wake of TRAI questioning its role on matters challenging regulations, ADC being one of them.

In another development, the Delhi High Court, which is hearing a petition of TRAI challenging TDSAT's jurisdiction over regulations, today adjourned the hearing on the case to next week.