Regulatory

TRAI directions for BSOs/MSOs

NEW DELHI -- TRAI has recently issued a direction to Access Providers (BSOs / CMSOs) & National /International Long Distance Operators, regarding implementation of Carrier Selection in their respective networks.

1. PREAMBLE.
1.1 Consequent upon the opening up of the National & International long distance service markets, the customer has multiple choice to route his long distance calls through long distance carriers chosen by him. As per provisions in the License Agreement & the policy directive of the government, this has to be done by dialing four extra digits called Carrier Access Code (CAC) after '0' (for NLD calls) & '00' (for ILD calls), which will enable the switching system of the Access Providers (BSOs / CMSOs) to identify the long distance carrier selected by the subscriber, and route the call accordingly. Alternatively, the subscriber can intimate his choice to the Access Providers (APs) in advance in a process called 'polling', so that the four extra digits i.e. CAC could be embedded in the exchange subscriber data base in advance and with that the subscriber is not required to dial them before the destination code. The latter mode of Carrier Selection called Carrier Pre-selection (CPS) is implemented in telecommunication networks to provide ease to customers in dialing their long distance calls. Both the modes of Carrier Selection i.e., 'Call by Call' in which four extra digits are required to be dialed for routing of each call, and Carrier Pre-selection (CPS), are required to be implemented in a time bound manner in the Indian telecommunication network. Accordingly, the Authority has decided to issue this direction to the operators concerned so that they carry out the required system modifications within a stipulated time frame, and provide the customers both the facilities i.e. 'Call by Call' Carrier selection as well as Carrier Pre-selection.

For more detailed information please visit www.trai.gov.in