Trai defers zero-IUC regime for a year, to take effect from January, 2021

NEW DELHI: Trai Tuesday deferred the implementation of the zero-interconnect usage charges (IUC) regime by a year till January 1, 2021, and separately sought stakeholder views on whether it should set a floor and ceiling for voice and data tariffs, even as it termed the proposal ‘anti-consumer’.

The decision to postpone the zero-IUC regime will offer some relief to Vodafone IdeaNSE -7.25 % and Bharti AirtelNSE -0.64 %, which can now keep getting some revenue on this account, said analysts.

ET was the first to report about the deferment on its online platforms earlier Tuesday.

All Three Private Telcos Sought a Floor

The consultation paper on tariff issues came after all three private telcos — Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and RelianceNSE 0.28 % Jio — wrote to Trai via industry body COAI, asking it to set a floor for data services to improve the health of the sector.