Idea, 4 others to provide link to RCom GSM

Ahead of the deadline of Trai's direction to give interconnection to RCom GSM network, five operators, including Idea Cellular, MTNL and Tata Communication have agreed to provide link of their network to the Anil Ambani group company.

According to sources, Idea Cellular has agreed to provide interconnection to RCom thereby not becoming a part of Cellular Operators' Association of India's likely petition against Trai's directive on the same.

Besides, other operators to provide interconnectivity to RCom GSM network are Aircel and Spice Communication.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, which has also been directed by Trai, is in negotiation with RCom.

"We are in a dialogue with them (RCom). . .There has been no conclusion yet on the outcome of our talks on a agreeable interconnection arrangement," BSNL CMD Kuldeep Goyal had said on Tuesday. 

So now, it is Bharti and Vodafone, who are yet to consider giving interconnectivity to RCom.

However, the latest position could influence COAI's decision to challenge the Trai's order although it could not be confirmed whether COAI would change its position or not. 

On August 14, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had directed GSM players Idea Cellular, BPL, Vodafone Essar and Bharti Airtel to interconnect with RCom by August 21.

Aircel, Spice, Idea are members of COAI.