Tata
Teleservices Ltd Vs. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. & Ors [2008] INSC 765 (30 April
2008)
S.H. Kapadia & B. Sudershan Reddy
REPORTABLE CIVIL APPEAL NO. 5850 OF 2005 with Civil Appeal No. 5871 of 2005
KAPADIA, J.
The controversy in these civil appeals is: whether appellant is liable to
pay Access Deficit Charges ("ADC") to BSNL for the period commencing
from 14.11.2004 to 26.8.2005 in respect of its service provided under its brand
name "WALKY".
Introduction:
2. ADC is a levy imposed by TRAI (Regulator) on the operators (service
providers) to support roll out of telephones in rural areas. Since BSNL owns
99% of the rural phones, ADC constitutes a levy for the appellant and a subsidy
for BSNL. The said ADC has two parts: (i) the component of the payment to be
made by the domestic service provider, and (ii) the component of the payment to
be made by international long-distance service providers. The ADC regime was
introduced in 2004.
3. In March, 1997, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India ("TRAI")
Act stood enacted. The Government introduced New Telecommunication Policy
("NTP") in 1999 and proceeded to implement the said policy. By TRAI
(Amendment) Act, 2000 a key change came to be effected as a result of NTP,
1999. The said amendment segregated the Regulatory and Dispute Settlement norms
of the original TRAI. Under the new regime, all disputes involving consumer and
service provider(s) had to go to TDSAT. The said regime excluded civil courts
from ruling on disputes arising out of TRAI decisions. TDSAT was conferred with
original and appellate jurisdictions.
The TRAI (Amendment) Act, 2000 defines precisely the regulatory powers of
the TRAI. The said Regulator became responsible for introduction of new service
providers, technical improvements, quality standards and fixing the terms and
conditions of licences. One more event needs to be mentioned. In order to
separate policy making and service provision roles of the DoT, the Government
created Department of Telecom Services ("DTS"), which was later turned
into the corporate entity known as BSNL on 1.10.2000.
4. Under the NTP, 1999, all new cellular mobile service providers had to pay
a fixed fees upon entry, and then pay a portion of their revenues to the
Government. However, after August, 1999 the revenue-sharing arrangement came
into effect.
5. Given an ambitious target to achieve a tele-density of 7%, the NTP 1999
sought to bring private players into basic service which is the minimum
facility and in which mobility as feature of a telecom service was not a part of
basic service. The permissibility to provide a service is determined by the
terms and conditions of a licence granted by DoT whereas obligation to pay
interconnection usage charges/ADC is determined by TRAI through its regulations
framed under section 36 of the 1997 Act in conformity with the licence
conditions.
6. By a policy decision of Government of India in 2001, basic service
operators having the licence for providing fixed service were allowed to
provide Wireless Local Loop Mobile [WLL(M))] service within the purview of
their basic service licence.
7. During 1997 April, 2003, there was no liability to pay ADC ( a concept
introduced by TRAI in 2003).
8. On 1.11.2003, DoT introduced a Unified Access Service ("UAS")
licence which allowed its holder to provide wire-line as well as wireless
services in a service area. However, wireless services included full mobile,
limited mobile and fixed wireless services under the UAS licence. The existing
service providers were given the option to stay on their original licence or
change to the UAS licence to facilitate communications convergence by allowing
value-added services on the same licence.
However, all telecom operators had to pay IUC including ADC in accordance
with IUC Regulations framed by TRAI.
WLL Technology:
9. Before considering the contentions advanced on behalf of the appellants
and BSNL (respondent no. 1), it would be necessary to consider certain terms
used in the WLL technology.
i) Cellular Telephony Cellular telephone is a type of short-wave analog or
digital transmission in which a subscriber has a wireless connection from a
mobile (terminal) to a nearby transmitter. The transmitter's area of coverage
is called as a cell. In wireless telephony, a cell is the geographical area
covered by a cellular telephone transmitter. The transmitter facility is called
the cell site. When a subscriber enters into an agreement with a cellular
telephone service provider, he is given access to the cell system of that
provider, which is local. When travelling out of the range of the said cell
system, the cell system can enable him to be transferred to a neighbouring
company's cell system without the subscriber being aware of it. This is called
roaming service. A cellular telephone is not to be confused with a cordless
telephone, which is simply a phone with a very short wireless connection to a
local phone outlet.
High mobility of the users is one of the important properties of cellular
telephone. The location of a user can change significantly during a call which
can originate from the user or from the network. In cellular telephony a mobile
user communicates with a base station. The base stations are connected to MSC,
which is connected to the public telephone system.
The most important aspect of cellular telephony is the unlimited mobility.
The user can be anywhere within the coverage area of the network (i.e., it
is not limited to a specific cell). The user can move from one cell to another
even during one call.
Cellular telephony is different from cordless telephone. In cordless
telephone, there is a wireless link between a handset and a base station which
in turn is directly connected to the public telephone system.
It is important to note that economic factors impact the design of wireless
communication systems and services. Those systems where the mobility is of
value per se e.g., in cellular telephony, the same is more expensive than
wired system. For example, the per minute price in the case of cellular
telephony system is higher than the landline telephone. It is competition which
may bring down the price per unit. Since 1990 many consumers and even companies
have opted for cellular telephony alone cancelling in some cases wired
services. On the other hand, services where wireless access is only intended as
a cheap cable replacement, without additional features e.g., Fixed Wireless
Access, the systems have to be cost effective, as the infrastructure is
comparatively cheaper as compared to the infrastructure needed for wired
connections.
ii) Examples of Wireless Equipments:
Wireless is a term used to describe telecommunications in which
electromagnetic waves carry the signal over the communication path. The first
wireless transmitter went on the air in the early 20th Century using Morse
code. Later, as technology improved it became possible to transmit voices and
music via wireless, the medium came to be called "radio". With the
advent of television, fax, data communication and the effective use of the
spectrum, the term "wireless" has been revived. The common examples
of wireless equipments in use today include cellular phones, pagers, global
positioning system ("GPS"), cordless telephone sets, satellite
television, wireless LANs (Local Area Networks), global system for mobile
communication ("GSM"), fixed wireless application, mobile wireless
and portable wireless. Correspondingly, services are broadcasting, paging,
fixed wireless access (FWA), limited mobility and full mobility etc.
In the case of fixed wireless, the operation of wireless systems is confined
to homes and offices, in particular, fixed wireless refers to equipment
connected to the internet via specialized modems. In FWA, the location of the
end-user terminal and network access point to be connected to end-user are
fixed.
In the case of mobile wireless, there is the use of wireless systems or
devices aboard motorized, moving vehicles like, PCS. It also includes
automotive cell phones. Unlike FWAs, in the case of mobiles the instrument is
not fixed, it can be moved.
As regards portable wireless, it is battery-powered wireless device or
system which operates outside the office, home or vehicle. Its operation is
autonomous. The examples of portable wireless are handheld cell phones and PCS
units.
All the above examples are common examples of wireless equipments in use
today.
iii) Wireless Mobile Communication:
There are a variety of wireless communication systems for transmitting
voice, video and data in local or wide areas. Mobile wireless technologies
provide voice and data communication services to mobile users to use cell
phones, internet terminals and related computing devices.
iv) Wireless Communications Service (WCS):
WCS is radio communications that may provide fixed, mobile, radio location
or satellite communication services to individuals and businesses within their
assigned spectrum block and geographical areas. WCS is today capable of
providing more advanced Wireless Phone Services that would be able to pinpoint
a subscriber in a given locality. WCS is today used to provide a wide variety
of mobile services, including an entire family of new communication devices
utilizing small, light weight; multifunctional Portable Phones and advanced
devices with two-way data capabilities. It may be noted that every mobile is
portable but every portable phone need not be a mobile. It may also be noted
that we are concerned with "service" to the individual business and
not with the nature of the instrument.
v) Wireless Broadband Access Technologies (WBAT):
Wireless access systems are owned by service providers that operate within a
metro areas.
The cellular telephone system, as covered under "wireless mobile
communications" allows users to move about, not only within the range of
the Local Base Station but to other cells within the same system and even to
systems of other service providers.
The "Fixed" wireless systems do not support the extended roaming
features of Mobile Cellular Systems.
The advantage of wireless systems are: no need to install cable or rely on
copper infrastructure.
vi) Wireless Communications (WC):
It involves transmitting signals through air and space using radio waves.
Examples blue tooth, CDMA.
vii) Wireless Technologies (WT):
A wireless network is a radio, microwave, infrared network. Most wireless
networks have multiple BTSs. (base stations).
viii) Cellular Systems and Topology:
A cell in a cellular system is a circular area with a central
transmitter/receiver base station. BTS is raised up on a tower or top of a
building. BTS has a 360-degree antenna which is tuned to create a cellular area.
When a user turns a phone on, its phone number and serial number are broadcast
within the local cell. The BTS picks up the signals and informs the Switching
Office that a particular device is located within its area. This information is
recorded in the switching office for reference. An actual call takes place when
the user enters a phone number and hits the Send button.
The cellular system selects a channel for the user to use during the
duration of the call. As users travel, they may move from one cell to another,
necessitating a handoff and the selection of a new channel. While in the
vicinity of a cell, mobile phone users are under the control of the
transmitter/receiver in that cell. A handoff takes place when the base station
in one cell transfers control for a user's call to a base station in another
cell.
When a base station begins to lose a user's signal, it notifies base
stations in all the surrounding cells that the user may be moving into their
cells. As the user moves into a new cell, the base station in that cell takes
over the call.
The frequency of the call is changed to a frequency used in the new cell
during the transition. This is because adjoining cells cannot use the same
frequencies.
ix) Wireless Local Loop (WLL):
Today, technologies provide WLL services, i.e., wireless access for home and
business users to carriers and service provider network.
According to Encyclopedia of Networking & Telecommunications by Tom
Sheldon, wireless local loop ("WLL") refers to a variety of
technologies for connecting subscribers to the public-switched telephone
network ("PSTN") using wireless links, rather than copper wire. WLL
is a practical solution for connecting subscribers in countries/areas that do
not have the wired infrastructure. It is also practical in rural areas as an
alternative to laying cable. WLL is primarily a fixed wireless service (the
subscriber generally stays in one place), while cellular systems offer mobile
communication and roaming among different systems.
x) Basics of Wireless Communications:
Today's wireless communications would not be possible without radio signals
which are generated and emitted from a sender. They propagate through the
atmosphere, and are received and interpreted by a receiver.
There are two applications for radio signals. First, they are needed for
wireless communication between a mobile terminal and a fixed network, which is
achieved by manipulating the parameters of the signal which process is known as
modulation. Secondly, radio signals provide the basis for positioning, that is
to say for locating the target.
In wired network, the transmission media are copper twisted pair, copper
cable and optical fibre whereas the transmission medium for wireless
communication is always the atmosphere, the space or water. Some wired systems
like Ethernet make use of voltage pulses to transmit data. Signals in wireless
communications are electromagnetic waves which are analog.
Electromagnetic waves are produced and received by antennas. The receiving
antenna converts radio signals from the surrounding environment into
alternating current and delivers it to electronic equipment connected to the
antenna, known as the receiver. Conversely, the transmitting antenna, on the
other hand, radiates alternating current delivered by a transmitter into the
surrounding environment in the form of radio or micro wave signals.
The point to be noted is that there is a dichotomy between receiving antenna
and transmitting antenna. The antenna inside the instrument is the receiving
antenna whereas the antenna on the BTS is the transmitting antenna.
In short, there exists major differences between wired and wireless media.
In wired communications, signals pass through a solid or guided medium whereas
in wireless communications the technology is based on unguided media like
atmosphere, space or water and, therefore, in wireless communications signals
are exposed to several sources of interference on their way from the
transmitting to the receiving antenna. Broadly, we may call this process of transmission
to the receiving antenna as "transmission technology" which is a part
of what is called as access network in contradistinction to what is called as
core network of which the numbering plan is one of the important components.
This dichotomy needs to be kept in mind for deciding the present matter. In
other words, the receiving antenna in the subscriber's premises and the
transmitting antenna located in the BTS are aligned and they constitute access
network whereas MSC is the exchange in which there is core network consisting
of BSC, numbering plan, softwares etc. which are essential to identify the
source from which the call originates, the movement of the subscriber from one
cell to the other and the identification of the call for billing purposes. The
Intelligent Network is in MSC.
Generally, radio signals are emitted from an antenna omni- directionally and
they can pass several hundreds of kilometers without being affected by
obstacles (what is known as seamless), which makes radio signals very attractive
for radio and television broadcast.
In wireless communications, different types of antennas are used which
differ from each other in respect of directivity of signals propagation.
When signals travel away from a transmitting antenna in a BTS, they are
exposed to a reduction in their strength. The degree of attenuation depends
upon the distance between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna,
the wavelength of the signals and the surrounding environment (e.g., indoor,
outdoor, rural, urban etc.).
In wireless communications, the air interface (medium) must be shared
between different applications (e.g., radio, T.V., mobile, cellular systems
etc.) and within a certain application between different users (radio and T.V.
stations, subscribers). This is in contrast to wired infrastructures. In
wireless communications, the resources of the air interface are given by space,
frequency, time and code and thus classified as space, frequency, time and Code
Division. The point to be noted is that all channels transmit simultaneously in
the same frequency range and in the same space, thereby interfering with each
other to a large extent. This means that the signals of different channels are
summed up during transmission and, therefore, must be separated after reception
at the receiver. One of the methods to do so is called as CDMA (Code Division
Multiple Access). Under this method, different channels are separated by a
code. During transmission, the signals from different senders arrived in the
form of a composed signal at the receiver. In order to reconstruct the data of
different senders, the receiver has to apply the chipping sequence of the
respective sender.
Accordingly, the resulting signal reaches the receiver. In the present case,
"Walky" is based on CDMA technology. So also the "Handset"
of Reliance Infocomm Ltd. is based on the same technology. It may be stressed
that CDMA is the very complex technique requiring sophisticated hardwares both
in the centres and the receivers. As all senders transmit in the same frequency
range simultaneously, the radiating power must be carefully aligned between
them in order to guarantee that all senders can be heard at the receiver.
The fundamentals explained hereinabove are relevant to the transmissioning
of data for each kind of mobile service as well as for positioning.
Transmissioning of data as a concept is different from positioning.
Transmissioning relies on manipulation of radio signals whereas positioning is
based on measurement of radio signals especially their travelling time or their
attenuation xi) Principles of Cellular Networks:
Mobile communications reached the market in 1980. Even at that time the
major challenge was to implement advanced mobility features such as handover,
roaming and localization of subscribers which required additional control
channels between terminal and serving base station.
A cellular network consists of a number of radio cells where the term
"cell" refers to geographic coverage area of a BTS. The size of the
coverage area depends on the signal strength of the base station and the degree
of attenuation. Each BTS is assigned a certain number of channels for
transmitting and receiving data which is called as cell allocation
("CA"). To avoid interference between cells, it needs to be
guaranteed that the neighbouring base stations are also assigned cell
allocations of different channels. There are no sharp borders between
neighbouring cells. Most of the time they overlap. In urban areas, a mobile
device can hear a set of around 10 base stations simultaneously, and then it
selects from this set of base station within the strongest signal. The number
of cells a network is made up of is basically a function of the size of area to
be covered and the user penetration. When building up a new network, operators
first concentrate on establishing a coverage in congested urban areas before
establishing base stations in rural areas. If a network runs the risk of
becoming overloaded in a certain region, the operators can increase the
capacity by increasing the base stations density.
A cellular network not only consists of base stations but also comprises a
network infrastructure for interconnecting base stations, mobility support,
service provisioning and connection to other networks like internet. Therefore,
a cellular network consists of several access networks, which include the radio
equipment which is necessary to interconnect a terminal to the network. The
access networks are interconnected by the core network. For example, in GSM,
the access network is referred to as Base Station Subsystem ("BSS")
whereas the core network is denoted as Mobile Switching and Management
Subsystem ("SMSS"). BSS is responsible for monitoring and controlling
the air interface. BSS consists of two different components, namely Base
Transceiver Station ("BTS") and Base Station Controller
("BSC"). BTS stands for "base station". It contains
transmitter and receiver equipment as well as an antenna. The base station is
equipped with very limited capabilities for signalling a protocol processing.
The bulk of the work, for example, allocation and release of channels is done
by the BSC. The BSC is mainly responsible for control and execution of
handover, a function which is needed to keep a circuit-switched connection if
the subscriber moves between base stations. Therefore, each BSC controls
several base stations, which are connected to the BSC via fixed lines or radio
link systems. On the other hand, mobile Switching and Management System is a
fixed network of switching nods and databases for establishing connections from
and to the mobile subscriber. HLR and VLR are two important databases which are
the foundation of the Numbering Plan in MSC. The switching components are the
Mobile Switching Centre ("MSC") and the Gateway MSC ("GMSC").
The MSC connects a number of BSCs. to the network for the purposes of
localization and handover. Thus, it is the MSC which is responsible for serving
a limited geographic region governed by all base stations connected to the MSC
over their BSCs. In a mobile network, when a connection is to be established it
is the MSC which determines another switch depending on the current location of
the mobile subscriber. For this purpose, MSC is also connected to local network
for each subscriber so as to implement the numbering plan. The area from which
the call emanates, the identification of the nature of the call whether from
mobile or fixed wireline is all done by the computer having the requisite
software in MSC.
xii) Fixed Wireless Access WLL(F):
Fixed wireless access ("FWA") also known as WLL(F) has coverage
between Wireless Local Area Networks ("WLANs") and cellular
communication systems. The main purpose of FWA is to provide network access to
buildings through exterior antennas communicating with central radio base
stations. In this way, users in a building are allowed to connect to the
network with conventional in-building networks.
FWA is a service in which wireless access is intended as a cheap cable
replacement without additional features.
FWA replaces copper lines to the homes of the users by wireless links, but
without the specific benefit of mobility. The original intent was to give
access to customers for basic phone services bypassing the copper lines.
Fixed wireless access system is one type of service. FWA system can also be
considered as a derivative of cordless phones or wireless local area networks.
FWA system essentially replaces a dedicated cable connection between the user
and the public landline system. The important difference to be noted is that
FWA system is not the same as cordless phones. The main difference from
cordless system is that in FWA system there is no mobility of the user devices.
There is a difference between mobility and portability. A mobile device can be
portable but every portable device is not mobile. The purpose of FWA lies in
providing users with telephone and data connections without having to lay
cables from a central switching office to the premises of the user. It is,
therefore, cost effective as compared to wireline basic phone.
xiii) Identification of a Mobile Subscriber:
In analog wireless network every mobile station ("MS") is
identified by a single number that is permanently associated with it. All
connections that are established from this MS are billed to its registered
owner. However, in the case of GSM, the subscriber is identified by a SIM,
which is a plug-in chip card. In the case of GSM, MS can only make and receive
calls when such a SIM is plugged in and active. All calls that are made from
the MS are billed to the subscriber whose SIM is plugged in. Furthermore, the
MS only receives calls going to the number of the SIM owner. Therefore, SIM is
a fundamental importance for billing procedure. It may be noted that even in
"Walky" there is plug-in chip card which is inbuilt in the
instrument.
Mobility is an inherent feature of most wireless systems. If there is an
incoming call from MS (user), the network has to know in which cell the user is
located. The first requirement is that a MS emits a signal at regular
intervals, informing nearby base stations in the neighbourhood. Two databanks
then employ this information: the Home Location Register ("HLR") and
the Visitor Location Register ("VLR"). The HLR is the central data
base that keeps track of the location a user is currently at; the VLR is a data
base associated with a certain base station that notes all the users that are
currently within the coverage area of a specific base station. If a MS moves
across a cell boundary, a different base station becomes the serving base
station. In other words, the MS is handed over from one BS to another.
Such a handover has to be performed without interrupting the call.
The HLR contains all the numbers of the mobile subscribers associated with
one MSC and information about the location of each of these subscribers. In the
event of an incoming call, the location of the desired subscriber is checked in
the HLR and only thereafter the call is forwarded to the location. The call is
forwarded to the BSC in whose area the subscriber is routing to and selection
of one BTS is the responsibility of the BSC.
Therefore, one can conclude that from time to time a controlling MS (user)
has to send updates of its location to its HLR. At the same time, the VLR and
the MSC contains all the information about mobile subscribers from other
networks that are in the area of this MSC and are allowed to roam in the
network of this MSC. The Authentication Centre verifies the identity of each MS
requesting a connection.
The above discussion indicates the functionality of MSC, BSC and BTS. The
data base is in MSC. It further indicates the functionality of BTS.
BTS is, essentially concerned with transmission. The entire data base and
the function of identifying the user and the call is in MSC. The numbering plan
is one of the important elements of the network with MSC. The switching system
is with MSC. The network and switching system includes the above two databases.
The main component of network and switching subsystem ("NSS") is
MSC, which controls the traffic between different BSCs. One function of the MSC
is mobility management. Other functions are paging and location update. All
interactions between networks especially the landline public switched
telephone network ("PSTN") are performed by the MSC. Therefore, the
numbering plan, radio frequency ("RF"), BTS, BSC, MSC, databases etc.
form elements of the network of the service providers.
The BTSs. and BSCs. are important components of base station subsystem
("BSS"). The components of BSS are different from the components of
network and switching subsystem ("NSS"). The component of NSS is MSC
whereas the component of BSS consists of base transceiver stations
("BTSs.") and base station controllers ("BSCs."). The BTS establishes
and maintains the connection to the mobile stations ("MSs.") within
its cell. The interface between the MS and the BTS is the air interface. The
BTS hosts the antennas and the radio frequency hardware of a base station, as
well as the software for multiple access. Several BTSs. are connected to one
BSC; they are either co-located, or connected via landline, microwave radio
links, or similar connections.
The BSC has a control functionality. It is responsible for Hand Over
("HO") between two BTSs that are connected to the same BSC.
Distribution of the functionalities between BTS and BSC may differ depending on
the manufacturer. In most cases, one BSC is connected to several BTSs.
Therefore, it is possible to increase the efficiency of implementation by
shifting as much functionality as possible to the BSC. In general, the BSS is
responsible for channel assigning, maintenance of link quality and HO, power
control, coding and encryption.
xiv) Difference between Wireless Systems and Services:
In systems, mobility per se is of value e.g., in cellular telephony.
Such services can charge a premium to the customer i.e., it is more
expensive than equivalent wired systems. In cellular telephony the per- minute
price is higher than landline telephony and yet on account of competition, the
price has come down.
Services where wireless access is intended as a cheap cable replacement
without additional features have to be cost-effective, as the infrastructure
thereof has to be cheaper than wired connections. The classic example of such
services is FWA.
In the case of systems, mobility is of value whereas in case of services,
wireless access is a cheap cable replacement without additional features.
References:
The above technical data of concepts between sub-paras (i) to (xiv) is based
on references from the following books:
-
Wireless Communications by Andreas F. Molisch
-
Wireless Intelligent Networking by Gerry Christensen, Paul G. Florack and
Robert Duncan.
-
India The Emerging Giant by Arvind Panagariya
-
Location-Based Services Fundamentals and Operation by Axel Kupper
-
From WPANs to Personal Networks-Technologies and Applications by Ramjee
Prasad and Luc Deneire
-
Mc Graw Hill Encyclopedia on Networking & Telecommunications by Tom
Sheldon
-
Encyclopedia of Technology Terms by Whatis.com xv) Generic Requirements:
(a) Generic Model of Wireless Local Loop System:
Apart from references to the technical data hereinabove, Government of India
(DoT) has issued G.R. No. G/WLL-01/01. MAY 96 regarding generic requirements
relating to Digital WLL system. These generic requirements issued as far back
as May, 1996 is in consonance with the technological concepts enumerated in the
above reference books. It supports what is stated hereinabove. We, therefore,
quote hereinbelow relevant paragraphs from the above G.Rs.:
"1.0 INTRODUCITON
1.1 This Generic Requirement (GR) relates to digital Wireless Local Loop
(WLL) system to provide two way communication for Department of
Telecommunication (DoT) customer Access Network. It shall be engineered to
provide Wireless connections to cover subscribers located upto 25 kms from the
exchange. The specification covers the technical and general requirements of
the various components of WLL system namely Base Station Controller (BSC), Base
Station (BS), Network Management System (NMS), and Remote Station (RS). The
Remote Station shall be a Fixed Subscriber Adapter Unit capable of supporting
standard 2W analogue interface such as standard telephone, FAX, Data Modem,
Payphone and 64 kbps interface as applicable.
1.3 A generic model of Wireless Local Loop system consists of :
-
Base Station (BS)
-
Remote Station (RS)
-
Base Station Controller (BSC)
-
Network Management System (NMS)
1.4 The Base Station Controller is responsible for inter-connection between
the WLL system and the PSTN. It assigns traffic channels to individual users,
monitors system performance and provides interface between the BS and PSTN
switch etc. BSC can be either co-located with the PSTN switch or located at a
different location connected to a PSTN switch through interfaces as specified
at clause No.13.1 of this GR. In case of junction interface with PSTN, BSC
shall provide switching and charging functions for the area covered by the BSC.
1.6 The Base Station (BS) is a conveniently located multiple circuit
Transceivers which shall radiate over a cell or a sector. It consists of radio
modules, baseband signal processor, network interface, antenna, feeder etc. It
can be co-located with BSC or remotely located.
1.7 The Remote Station (RS) provides single circuit and optionally multiple
circuit access to the network. The functions of the Remote Station are to
convert user's message from its original form into appropriate digital signal
and translate this signal into a form suitable for radio transmission, to
establish access to the network through Base Station. It has also the power
supply, user interface, antenna, feeder etc.
and does not include customer premises equipment.
1.8 The system shall permit the same facilities to the subscriber as are
available to the wire line subscribers as defined in clause No.4.2 of this GR.
2.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 2.12 Remote station equipment shall be a fixed
indoor/outdoor unit suitable for wall mounting with minimum inconvenience to
the subscribers. All accessories for mounting shall be supplied alongwith the
equipment.
2.20 Mobility functions : optionally the system may support limited
mobility within designated area. The mobile handsets shall conform to relevant
standards for mobile application. The equipment supplier shall indicate the
coverage area for mobility for the equipment offered.
12.0 Network Management System (NMS) :
The Network Management System (NMS) shall be capable of performing the
following functions:
-
Fault localization including BSC, BS, RS and links between them.
-
Network configuration i.e., addition,
deletion and change of network elements etc.
-
Performance, data collection.
-
Security against unauthorised access v) Network statistics Data related
to channel occupancy, rejected calls etc. with visual display of faulty
elements of the network.
15.0 Antenna : The type of antenna and gain may be decided by the supplier
for getting desired coverage and performance of the system.
Detailed specifications (technical as well as mechanical) shall be furnished
by equipment supplier. Fixtures for antenna mounting at BSs and RSs shall be
included as part of antenna supply."
(b) Principles of Wireless Access:
Principles of wireless access have also been enumerated in recommendations
of International Telecommunication Union-Radio Communication Assembly
("ITU-RCA"). They are as follows:
"1 Introduction This Recommendation consists primarily of those terms
and definitions that are considered essential to the understanding and application
of the principles of wireless access. However, they are not exclusive to
wireless access and are recommended also for application, insofar as they are
relevant, to other types of telecommunication systems and services.
Included are terms that may already be defined in the Radio Regulations (RR)
and other ITU-R/ITU-T Recommendations. However, the definitions given here
embrace only the essential concepts and on this basis it is considered that
they are not inconsistent with the more specialized definitions that appear in
those texts.
Where a truncated term is widely used in an understood context, the complete
term is quoted following the colloquial form.
Some definitions include terms in italic face to indicate that these terms
are defined elsewhere in this Recommendation.
Technologies in use today for implementing wireless access include cellular
systems, cordless phone and cordless telecommunication systems, satellite
systems, etc. New technologies and systems such as IMT-2000, wireless broadband
ISDN, wireless ATM, HAPS, etc., also form part of wireless access if they
satisfy the basic criteria of end-user radio connection(s) to core networks
Wireless access may be considered from many perspectives, for example:
Mobility capabilities of the terminal: fixed, nomadic (may be used in
different places but the terminal must be stationary while in use), mobile,
restricted mobility (e.g. within a single cell), etc.
Service support capabilities: narrow-band, broadband, multimedia, etc.
Type of telecommunication service: conversational, distribution,
information retrieval.
Connectivity: (which would depend on the switched network that the terminal
accesses, e.g. Internet, PSTN, etc.).
Radio transmission technology: access technique (TDMA, CDMA, etc.),
modulation technique (analogue, digital, etc.), duplex technique (FDD, TDD,
etc.), etc.
Delivery mechanism: terrestrial, satellite, etc.
Of particular interest are the mobility characteristics of wireless access
systems; thus this Recommendation provides definitions of the terms
"fixed", "mobile" and "nomadic" wireless access.
The purpose of this Recommendation is to specify terms and definitions for
terrestrial wireless access.
2 Scope The Recommendation specifies definitions for terms primarily focused
in the field of terrestrial wireless access systems. Wireless access
applications may be provided within the definitions of the radio services FS,
MS, FSS and MSS contained in the RR.
The ITU has deprecated the use of the term "loop" (see References
below:
CCITT Blue Book, Vol. I, Fascicle I.3, 1988); for this reason, and more so
because this term does not make any sense with radio technologies, the use of
the terms that include loop are deprecated. These include wireless local loop,
radio local loop, and wireless access local loop.
It should be noted that in many cases systems may be able to support a
mixture of users (i.e. fixed, mobile and nomadic) and possibly with
restrictions on the type of mobility. It is not practical to define terms for
each possible combination, but those above should suffice to refer to the
primary characteristics of the system."
In addition, the said recommendation also defines relevant terms. The said
definitions are contained in clause 4.1, which reads as follows:
"4.1.1 Wireless access End-user radio connection(s) to core networks.
NOTE 1 Core networks include, for example, PSTN, ISDN, PLMN, PSDN,
Internet, WAN/LAN, CATV, etc. (See ' 4.4 for list of acronyms and
abbreviations.) NOTE 2 The end-user may be a single user or a user accessing
the services on behalf of multiple users.
4.1.2 Fixed wireless access (FWA) Wireless access application in which the
location of the end-user termination and the network access point to be
connected to the end-user are fixed.
4.1.3 Mobile wireless access (MWA) Wireless access application in which the
location of the end-user termination is mobile.
4.1.4 Nomadic wireless access (NWA) Wireless access application in which the
location of the end-user termination may be in different places but it must be
stationary while in use.
4.2.2 Base station See central station.
4.2.4 Central station The common name for all the radio equipment located
at one and the same place used for serving one or several cells.
NOTE 1 Also known as hub station, and also as base station, even though RR
No. 1.71 defines base station more restrictively as "a land station in the
land mobile service".
4.2.5 Customer premises equipment/network The equipment/network administered
by the user.
NOTE 1 Based on ITU-T Recommendation H.310.
4.2.8 End-user A human being, organization, or telecommunications system
that accesses the network in order to communicate via the services provided by
the network.
(See ITU-T Recommendation J.112.) 4.2.9 End-user connection point Point at which
the end-user obtains the communications service (see Fig.
1).
4.2.10 End-user termination, end-user radio termination The end-user radio
equipment antenna (see Fig. 1).
FIGURE 1 Illustration of terms End-user radio Termination End-user
connection point ? D ------------- FWA radio station ? ------------- -------| |
| | Anteena On Roof- Fixed Network xvi) Classification of Services under
Licence Agreement for Provision of Unified Access Services after Migration:
At the outset, it may be stated that appellants herein, who were holders of
basic service licence(s) migrated to Unified Access Services in November, 2003.
The said UAS licence is dated 20.7.2001 w.e.f.
21.11.2003.
The said UAS licence covers "access service" which includes
wireline and/or wireless service including full mobility, limited mobility and
FWA.
Basically, in these civil appeals we are concerned with three wireless
services, namely, full mobility, limited mobility and FWA. What is FWA has also
been explained earlier in this judgment. We quote hereinbelow clause 2.2(a) and
clause 2.2(c)(i), which read as follows:
"2.2 (a) The SERVICES cover collection, carriage, transmission and
delivery of voice and/or non-voice MESSAGES over LICENSEE's network in the
designated SERVICE AREA and includes provision of all types of access services.
In addition to this, except those services listed in para 2.2 (b)(i) licensee
cannot provide any service / services which require a separate licence.
The access service includes but not limited to wireline and / or wireless
service including full mobility, limited mobility as defined in clause 2.2 (c)
(i) and fixed wireless access. However, the licensee shall be free to enter an
agreement with other service provider(s) in India or abroad for providing
roaming facility to its subscriber under full mobility service unless advised /
directed by Licensor otherwise. The LICENSEE may offer "Home Zone Tariff
Scheme (s)" as a subset of full mobile service in well defined
geographical Areas through a tariff of its choice within the scope of orders of
TRAI on the subject. Numbering and interconnection for this service shall be
same as that of Full mobile subscribers.
2.2 (c) (i) In respect of subscriber availing limited mobility facility, the
mobility shall be restricted to the local area i.e. Short Distance Charging
Area (SDCA) in which the subscriber is registered. While deploying such
systems, the LICENSEE has to follow the SDCA based linked numbering plan in
accordance with the National Numbering Plan of the respective SDCA within which
the service is provided and it should not be possible to authenticate and work
with the subscriber terminal equipment in SDCAs other than the one in which it
is registered. Terminal of such subscriber in wireless access system can be registered
in only one SDCA.
Multiple registration or Temporary subscriber/ Subscription facilities in
more than one SDCA using the same Subscriber terminal in wireless access
systems is not permitted and the same Subscriber Terminal cannot be used to
avail Limited Mobile facility in more than one SDCA. The system shall also be
so engineered to ensure that handover of subscriber does not take place from
one SDCA to another SDCA under any circumstances, including handover of the
calls through call forwarding beyond SDCA. The Licensee must ensure that the
mobility in case of such limited mobile service/ facility remains restricted to
SDCA."
The concept of limited mobility has been defined in clause 2.2(c)(i).
The UAS Licence clarifies vide clause 2.2(c)(ii) that the Basic Service
operators like the appellants after migration to Unified Access Licence Regime
can also offer limited mobility service for such customers who so desire.
In these civil appeals we are concerned with the concept of limited mobility
as a service which attracts ADC.
Clause 2.2(d)(i) inter alia provides for compliance with standards
prescribed by ITU-RCA which have been quoted hereinabove. We quotre hereinbelow
clause 2.2(d)(i), which reads as follows:
"2.2 (d)(i) The LICENSEE is permitted to provide, SERVICE by utilizing
any type of network equipment, including circuit and/or packet switches, that
meet the relevant International Telecommunication Union (ITU)/Telecommunication
Engineering Center (TEC) / International standardization bodies such as
3GPP/3GPP-2/ETSI/IETF/ANSI/EIA/TIA/IS".
Meaning of Interconnection Usage Charges ("IUC")/ ADC:
10. On 29.10.2003, TRAI notified IUC. ADC is a part of IUC. ADC is a
percentage of the revenue. The framework of IUC regime was established by TRAI
through its Regulation dated 24.1.2003 which was subsequently reviewed on
29.10.2003 and 6.1.2005. IUC has to be determined based on minutes of usage for
various network elements and the cost of these elements.
11. ADC, on the other hand, is based on the consideration of cost based
rent, local call charges, low rental in rural areas, free calls etc. to make
the basic telecom services affordable to the common man, to promote universal
service and universal access as required by NTP, 1999. It is important to note
that ADC does not arise out of any legal right. It arises out of TRAI's
consideration of smoothening the transition process during competition, i.e.,
providing support during transition period when costs of access is not fully
recoverable from the revenues from access line monthly rental under the
existing tariff regime due to competition in the market. In other words, ADC is
a depleting regime for ADC purpose. Calls to/from WLL(F) is similar to calls
to/ from fixed lines. It is important to note that fixed wireless services,
provided by fixed service providers, and unified access service licences are
classified as Fixed Services. However, fixed wireless services for all purposes
tantamounts to full cellular services and can be offered seamlessly throughout
the SDCA which created a non level playing field for cellular operators
vis-`-vis the fixed wireless service providers, which has led to the present
dispute, which is primarily concerned with the "range of mobility" of
Fixed Wireless Terminals provided by appellants herein and Reliance Infocomm
and not with the size of the instrument "Walky" provided by
appellants (Handset provided by Reliance Infocomm) or the technology used
therein, viz, wireless or wireline, in the context of levy of ADC.
Submissions:
12. Mr. Arun Jaitley, learned senior counsel for the appellants, submits
that the question to be decided in this case is whether the appellants'
instrument ("Walky") falls in the category of Fixed Wireless Service
or WLL(M) service. According to the learned counsel, the question of
classification under Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997
("1997 Act") can only be decided upon by TRAI and not by BSNL as is
purported to have been done in the present case, particularly when BSNL is a
competing service provider and a contracting party under IUC Regulations.
In this case, BSNL has demanded ADC from the appellants for the period
14.11.2004 to 26.8.2005. Learned counsel urged that, according to the
appellants, the instrument "Walky" is a fixed wireless phone having
portability as its feature. That, BSNL had no authority to classify the said
instrument as a mobile phone.
13. According to the learned counsel, the abovementioned WLL(M) is a
service. It refers to a mobile set and not to a portable FWP and, therefore, the
said instrument "Walky" which is portable is not classifiable as
WLL(M). That, in any event, classification disputes lay before TRAI under the
1997 Act and that BSNL has no authority to classify/reclassify the said
"Walky" as WLL(M). In this connection, it is urged that BSNL could
have filed its complaint before TRAI and BSNL could not have unilaterally
called upon the appellants to pay ADC after such re-classification. The
questions raised on behalf of the appellants is: Who pays ADC? Who decides as to
who pays? In this connection, it is further submitted that under section
11(b)(ii) of the 1997 Act, the terms and conditions for grant of Inter-
connectivity is to be fixed by TRAI; it is mandatory function of TRAI to do so
and, therefore, it is beyond the competence of BSNL to re-classify and fix the
ADC liability on to the appellants.
14. Learned counsel urged that from 1997 to 2004, the said "Walky"
had been in the market to the knowledge of BSNL; the market knew the
distinction between the three services and that the said Instrument stood
classified during above period as WLL(F). That, GOTIT had also treated it as
WLL(F). That, the appellants had moved TDSAT, in the present case, to set aside
the demand of BSNL only on ground that BSNL had no authority to re-classify the
said instrument from Fixed to WLL(M) service. That, BSNL could have challenged
the use of "Walky" without payment of ADC before the TRAI in which
event the said Authority could have taken up and decided the classification dispute,
but was not done.
15. It is next urged that "Walky" as an Instrument is portable,
not mobile and, therefore, BSNL had erred in reclassifying Walky as WLL(M).
Challenging the impugned decision of TDSAT, it is urged on behalf of the
appellants that TDSAT had erred in equating portability with mobility. That,
the said two concepts are different. That, the Telecommunication
Interconnection Usage Charges Regulations, 2003 ("2003 Regulations")
treated WLL(M) and WLL(F) as a separate class of service. That, in the absence
of any change in the technology or the instrument and merely because of the
advertisement issued by the appellants, the character of service or its
classification cannot change. In this connection it may be noted that
appellants had given on Advertisement (Ex.-P8) in which it was stated that
"Walky" combines the best features of Mobile Phone and the Landline.
That, BSNL had complained to TRAI regarding the advertisement in which
"Walky" was shown as WLL(F) by invoking Rule 6 of the 2003
Regulations and when the matter was sub-judice before the Authority, BSNL
raised the unilateral demand for ADC on the appellants which was mis-conceived.
That, under the contract between BSNL and the appellants, there was no
provision to dis-connect the Access Facility, unilaterally.
16. Learned counsel urged that in the dispute raised by the appellants
before TDSAT the only question raised was regarding unilateralism on the part
of BSNL which TDSAT failed to decide and, therefore, the matter needs to be
remitted to TRAI. In this connection it is urged that under clause
2.7 of the Consultancy Paper the "extent of portability" was the
question pending to be decided by the Authority and pending decision, BSNL had
no authority to raise the demand.
17. On Technology, learned counsel urged that after introducing the concept
of ADC, the categories of the services were Fixed Wireline, WLL(F), WLL(M) and
Cellular which is now re-classified unilaterally by BSNL and DoT as Fixed
Wireline; WLL(F) = WLL(M) and Cellular.
Learned counsel urged that if WLL(F) had to be shifted to WLL(M), then that
question needs to be looked into by the Authority, hence remand becomes
necessary as such re-classification cannot be done by BSNL unilaterally.
Learned counsel submits that correct classification for ADC could have been
done only by TRAI and not by BSNL/DoT and that too after following the
procedure under section 11 of the 1997 Act.
18. Learned counsel next urged that neither in the Licence nor in the 2003
Regulations is there any Premises Specific Restriction ever imposed and,
therefore, it was not open to BSNL to make the impugned demand as the said
restriction was not there during the relevant period. In this connection it was
urged that during the entire period between 1997 to November, 2004, even DoT
understood "Walky" to be portable in the entire SDCA; that only in
March, 2005 it gave directions to the contrary to the appellants incorporating
the above "Premises Specific Restriction" and that too without any
change in the licence or the IUC Regulations 2003; that till 4.3.2005 the said
restriction was never mentioned; that without complying with section 11 of 1997
Act, TRAI could not have issued such a directive on 4.3.2005, particularly when
it seeks to impose a liability to pay ADC with retrospective effect. Learned
counsel submits that, in the circumstances, matter of
classification/reclassification arises which needs to be decided by TRAI.
19. Mr. Gopal Subramanium, learned senior counsel on behalf of respondent
no. 1 - BSNL, at the outset submits that, this civil appeal is infructuous. In
this connection, it is urged that by Circular dated 4.3.2005 issued by TRAI,
all Access Providers (including appellants herein) were directed to ensure that
the terminal used for Fixed Wireless Services should be confined to the
premises of the subscriber as the issue of mobility had revenue implications.
Learned counsel submits that this circular has not been challenged till date
and, therefore, this civil appeal is infructuous.
20. It is next urged that the contention of the appellants that when
consultation process was on BSNL could not have made the Demand has no merit
because in that Process the question was not of reclassification but the
question was whether ADC was payable to other Fixed Service Providers, besides
BSNL. In this connection, it was pointed out that before 1.2.2005, appellants
herein used to receive ADC as Fixed Service Provider in respect of
"Walky", however, after that date BSNL alone became entitled to ADC
which led to disputes. It is urged that neither the Consultation Paper nor the
2003 Regulations was concerned with characteristics of WLL(M) services as that
issue stood decided by TRAI vide circular dated 4.3.2005 as well as by Order
dated 26.8.2005 issued by DoT by which it was held that appellant had provided
Fixed Wireless Terminals as Mobile Terminals. The said Order of DoT stood
complied with by the appellant and, therefore, there was no merit in the
contention of the appellant on the issue of unilateralism. The said Order dated
26.8.2005 was passed by DoT after giving show cause notice. It is based on
breach of licence conditions by appellants.
21. On the technology, it is urged on behalf of BSNL, that WLL(M) is a
service which is put in the "Walky". It is urged that WLL(M) is a service
given by the instrument "Walky". What is relevant is the Service and
not the Instrument. It is urged that the appellants herein had invoked the
Original Jurisdiction of TDSAT on the question of characterization of service
which has been answered in favour of BSNL. It is urged, that nature and
classification of instrument was not relevant; that what was relevant was the
feature of the service in the instrument "Walky" and whether that
feature made it WLL(M) service, to which ADC stood attracted. All these
questions have been answered by TDSAT by its impugned judgment in favour of
BSNL. By the impugned judgment, it has been held by TDSAT that Walky Calls
attract ADC under the Regulatory Regime.
22. It was next urged that on facts there was no unilateralism as the Demand
was made by BSNL only after the TRAI and the DoT had issued the above Circular
and Directive respectively which have not been challenged. It is pointed out
that in fact appellants have complied with DoT's order. Learned counsel would submit
that if there was compliance of the Order/Directive of DoT dated 26.8.2005
there is no reason why appellants should not pay ADC for the period in
question, viz, 14.11.2004 to 26.8.2005. According to learned counsel,
compliance of DoT's Order dated 26.8.2005 itself indicates that even according
to the appellants, ADC was payable in respect of the service, i.e., WLL(M) and,
therefore, there is no merit in the argument advanced on behalf of the
appellants that ADC could not be charged without change in the conditions of
licence or 2003 Regulations.
23. It was next contended that under 2003 Regulations, reference is made to
Fixed Wireless Access, Mobile Wireless Access and Nomadic Wireless Access.
Before TDSAT, the controversy was regarding WLL(M) Service in SDCA. Before us
it was contended that the levy of ADC is not on movement of Walky within SDCA
but it is in respect of service rendered in SDCA. That, WLL(M) is a type of
service within SDCA.
24. Learned counsel would submit that with the introduction of Unified
Access Service Licence ("UASL") in 2003 the distinction between Fixed
Wireless, WLL(M) and mobile stood obliterated. The said UASL 2003 brought in
the Numbering Plan which categorized the series in the said Plan to identify
and measure the call for billing purposes. That, in terms of clause 2 of UASL,
"mobility" refers to service(s) within SDCA.
25. The above arguments of learned counsel for BSNL were adopted by Dr. A.M.
Singhvi, learned senior counsel for Cable Operators Association.
26. Mr. Rakesh Dwivedi, learned senior counsel appearing for intervenor-
TRAI would submit that in November, 2000, TRAI recommended Limited Mobility
Service, i.e., WLL(M) on 25.1.2001, DoT permitted it, whereas Walky came into
the market only in October, 2004. According to learned counsel, vide IUC
Regulations, 2001, WLL(M) was defined which was incorporated in UASL on
26.11.2003 and, therefore, appellants were fully aware of the difference in
WLL(M) Service vis-`-vis WLL(F) and Cellular.
27. On technology, learned counsel submits that under WLL(M), the terminal
of the subscriber must be fixed to a socket in the subscriber's premises. That,
service given by the appellant is that of Limited Mobility.
That in case of WLL(F) the Basic Phone Instrument has to be fixed indoor and
since that is not the case of appellants, the instrument "Walky"
would fall in the category of WLL(M).
Finding:
28. India's phenomenal growth in the mobile subscriber base and penetration
rate (or teledensity as measured by number of phones per hundred) has attracted
global attention. Mobile phones have introduced competition in providing access
and services at global competitive prices and state-of-art technology. The
competition is now relevant not only among the private providers of mobile
services, but also among the private and public providers of both fixed and
mobile services. India's NTP 1999 emphasised the Government's commitment to
provide basic telecom services to all people at affordable and reasonable
prices. This commitment is called the Universal Service Obligation
("USO").
29. At the outset, it may be stated, that, Regulatory Restriction should not
be confused with technology limitation. With the technological advancement,
"extent of mobility" has gone way beyond the "Premises Specific
Restriction" but in this case we are not concerned with technology but
with the levy of ADC. According to some authors, ADC is a tax. In the Revenue
Regime, the Authority imposing the levy is not always bound by the concepts in
technology. It is open to the Authority under the Revenue Regime to impose by
way of Regulatory Restriction a parameter like Premises Specific Restriction to
explain the concept of Limited Mobility.
30. WLL is a technology. In this case we are only concerned with Wireless
Local Loop Mobile Service. As a technological concept, wireless in local loop
technology simply means that the subscriber is connected to the nearest
exchange of the appellants (MSC) through BTS (which is only concerned with
transmission) through a radio link instead of through the copper wires. In
general, it is cheaper than copper wire connectivity. In traditional wire-line
network, the cost of the Last Mile amounts to substantial portion of the total
cost of putting up the network. CDMA and FDMA are technologies used for WLL.
31. In this civil appeal we are not concerned with WLL per se but with the
concept of "limited mobility".
32. WLL is also called Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) or fixed-radio access
or fixed-wireless access or fixed wireless terminal (FWT).
33. FWT units differ from mobile terminal units operating within cellular
networks such as GSM - in that a fixed wireless terminal or deskphone will be
limited to an almost permanent location with no roaming facility.
34. WLL + FWT are generic terms for radio based telecommunications
technologies and the respective devices which can be implemented using a number
of different wireless and radio technologies. In generic sense, WLL is a
technology. It cannot be equated to WLL(M) which is a service like WLL(F). Under
the Worldwide Database, WLL does not refer to Limited Mobility. Worldover WLL
is used to provide Fixed Wireless Access for speedy roll-out of fixed services.
However, under the NTP 1999, cellular operators are allowed to offer all types
of mobile services whereas fixed operators like the appellants are allowed to
offer fixed services.
35. The core issue, therefore, is not whether Limited Mobility is or is not
possible but whether fixed operators are liable to pay ADC when the service(s)
provided by them fall in WLL(M) service.
36. The main contention advanced on behalf of the appellants is regarding
alleged unilateralism by BSNL in calling upon the appellants herein to pay ADC.
According to the appellants, BSNL is a service provider and a competitor to the
appellants, therefore, BSNL has no authority to impose ADC liability on the
appellants. According to the appellants, BSNL is a contracting party and,
therefore, BSNL has no authority to levy ADC unilaterally on the appellants.
According to the appellants, TRAI had issued its directive dated 4.3.2005 at
the behest of BSNL without TRAI itself decided the categorization of service.
According to the appellants, in any event, TRAI had acted at the behest of BSNL
in issuing the said directive.
According to the appellants, the said directive seeks to treat the Walky
calls as WLL(M) whereas all over the years between 1997 to 2004 the said
service stood classified as WLL(F). According to the appellants, if at all TRAI
wanted to reclassify the said service as WLL(M) it ought to have followed the
procedure laid down under Section 11 of the 1997 Act. The effect of such
directive, according to the appellants, is not only to reclassify the services
but it also seeks to amend the terms and conditions of UAS Licence. It may be
stated that directive dated 4.3.2005 stood clarified by DoT vide two
clarifications dated 23.3.2005 and 26.8.2005. According to the appellants, the
said clarifications were issued in the context of advertisement given by the
appellants, which were later on withdrawn and that the said directive had no
connection with ADC chargeability. According to the appellants, DoT is a
licensor. According to the appellants, DoT had no authority to categorize Walky
as WLL(M). According to the appellants, during the period 1997 to 2004, DoT and
TRAI have treated Walky as WLL(F). According to the appellants, by
reclassifying Walky as WLL(M), DoT had sought to unilaterally reclassify Walky
as WLL(M) which amounts to change in licence conditions. According to the
appellants, reclassification could have been done only by TRAI under Section 11
of 1997 Act and not by DoT. Therefore, as can be seen from the above arguments,
it is clear that the basic complaint of the appellants is based on
unilateralism in imposing ADC liability on them.
37. Before proceeding to deal with the arguments on unilateralism, we quote
hereinbelow, in extenso, the directive issued by TRAI dated 4.3.2005,
clarification issued by DoT dated 23.3.2005 and further clarification issued by
DoT dated 26.8.2005, which read as follows:
"File No.406-2/2004-FN Dated 4th March, 2005 To:
All the Access Providers Subject:- Issues relating to WLL (F) services The
Authority has noted that fixed wireless services were being provided through
fixed wireless terminals in which the location of the network access point was
fixed and end user terminal was connected to it. Recently it has come to the
notice of the Authority that new terminals being deployed by access providers
do not have any fixed network Access Point physically located at the address of
the subscriber. In this regard certain complaints including those of misleading
advertisements have also been received by the Authority and subsequently show
cause notices were issued to the concerned operators. The responses given by
the service providers were not found to be in order.
As the issue of mobility has implications with respect to applicability of
ADC, the Authority directs you to strictly ensure that the terminal used for
fixed wireless services should be strictly confined to the premises of the
subscriber. All Access Providers should also ensure that there are no
misleading advertisements in the electronic and print media. It should also be
further noted that it is licensee's responsibility to ensure that the subscriber
terminal is operated in accordance with the terms of the License for fixed
lines. Any violation will attract action against you under the relevant clauses
of the License Agreement.
This issues with the approval of the Authority.
Sd/- (R.K. Bhatnagar) Advisor (FN)"
"No. 10-10/2003-BS II/Vol.VI Government of India Department of
Telecommunication Licensing Cell (Basic Services Group) 1406 Sanchar Bhavan,
20, Ashoka Road New Delhi 110001 23rd March, 2005 To All the UASL Licensees
BSNL and MTNL Sub: Clarification regarding Fixed Wireless Terminal in UAS/Basic
Service Licence.
With reference to the subject mentioned above, the undersigned is directed
to clarify that the terminal used for fixed wireless services should be
strictly confined to the premises of the subscriber where the telephone
connection is registered. It should also be noted that it is licensee's
responsibility to ensure that the subscriber terminal is operated in accordance
with the terms of the Licence for fixed lines including this clarification.
This is to further reiterate that separate level within allocated SDCA based
Link Numbering is to be used for Wireline & Fixed Wireless Services.
Wherever such restriction cannot be imposed, it shall be treated as WLL (M)
feature for all purposes which inter-alia includes Numbering plan,
Interconnection Usage Charges, Interconnection arrangements etc.
(Subhash Chander) ADB(BS-II) 011-23036536 Copy to:
The Secretary TRAI, Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi Sr. DDG (VAS), DOT"
"Government of India Ministry of Communications & I.T.
Department of Telecommunications Licensing Cell (Basic Services Group) 713,
Sanchar Bhawan, 20, Ashoka Road, New Delhi1 No.16-10/2004-BSII/TTSL 26th August
2005 To M/s. Tata Teleservices Ltd.
10th Floor, Tower-I, Jeevan Bharti, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001.
Sub: Alleged Violation of licence conditions.
Whereas M/s.Tata Teleservices Ltd. (M/s TTSL) has been granted licence under
Section 4 of Indian Telegraph Act, to establish, maintain and operate telegraph
services in the following service areas:- SNo. SERVICE AREA LICENCE AGREEMENT
NO.
-
Andhra Pradesh 10-02/2004/BSII/TTSL/AP
-
Gujarat
10-05/2004/BSII/TTSL/Guj.
-
Karnataka 10-09/2004/BSII/TTSL/KTK
-
Tamil Nadu 10-17/2004/BSII/TTSL/TN
-
Chennai 10-20/2004/BSII/TTSL/Chennai
-
Delhi 10-21/2004/BSII/TTSL/Delhi
-
West Bengal 20-201/2003/TATA/BSIII
-
Bihar 20-204/2003/TATA/BSIII
-
Haryana 20-206/2003/TATA/BSIII
-
H.P. 20-207/2003/TATA/BSIII
-
Kerala 20-210/2003/TATA/BSIII
-
Madhya Pradesh 20-211/2003/TATA/BSIII
-
Orissa 20-214/2003/TATA/BSIII
-
Punjab 20-215/2003/TATA/BSIII
-
Rajasthan 20-216/2003/TATA/BSIII
-
UP(W) 20-218/2003/TATA/BSIII
-
UP (E) 20-219/2003/TATA/BSIII
-
Kolkata 20-222/2003/TATA/BSIII Whereas a complaint was received from
Cellular Operators Association of India that M/s Tata Teleservices Ltd.
is providing fixed wireless terminals as mobile terminals and such terminals
are being openly advertised and promoted as "WALKY-Enjoy freedom of
mobility at landline rates".
Further it was pointed out that BSNL is being severely disadvantaged as they
have not received ADC from WALKY Calls.
Whereas M/s. Tata Teleservices Ltd. was supposed to provide services within
the scope of its licence agreement and it was expected that by way of
advertisement or promotion of its services, the subscriber should not be
misled.
Whereas a notice was issued for alleged violation of conditions and not
limited to clause 2 of Unified Access Services Licences on 06.01.2005 and
31.01.2005 regarding WALKY service.
And whereas M/s Tata Teleservices Ltd. replied to the notice vide letter
dated 21.01.2005 and 02.02.2005 of stating that there has been neither any
attempt nor any intention to mislead any subscriber in relation to services
being provided by M/s TTSL and they continue to provide services within this
scope of licences. The Fixed Wireless Terminal (FWT) instruments are
prominently advertised as bulky desktop phones and therefore customer is
clearly informed of the nature of the services and the phone instrument. The
numbering scheme of both FWT & Wireline Phones is same and is different
from that of limited mobile services. The FWTs covered by one or sometime more
than one Base Trans-receive Stations (BTSs).
M/s TTSL further submitted that "Walky" is a brand established by
Tata Teleservices essentially to promote and market their desktop Fixed
Wireless Phones. These Fixed Wireless Phones combined the advantages of both
mobile phones and landline phones.
Further, clarification regarding Fixed Wireless Terminals was issued vide
this office letter No. 10-10/03-BS-II/Vol.VI dated 23.03.2005 vide which it was
clarified that the Terminal used for Fixed Wireless Services should be strictly
confined to the premises of the subscriber where the telephone connection is
registered. Separate levels within allocated SDCA based link numbering scheme
are to be used for Wireline and Fixed Wireless Services. Wherever such
restriction cannot be imposed, it shall be treated as WLL (M) feature for all
purposes.
It is needless to mention that the word "Fixed" is clearly
understood and it does not require a separate definition in legal or common
parlance.
M/s TTSL submitted compliance to letter dated 23.03.2005 vide its replies
dated 31.03.2005 stating that, "the Licensor would surely be aware of the
inherent "Soft handover"
nature of CDMA technology due to which CDMA terminals (FW or mobile) utilize
network and proving to be extremely spectrally efficient. Therefore, the
implementation of any restriction would require considerable changes to the
network, which need time, effort and considerable resources to complete
something that DoT requires to provide. Nevertheless, under constraints of
time, some actions have been initiated which are detailed further in this
letter". Further vide letter dated 08.04.2005, M/s TTSL has stated that
they have taken some exercise to restrict service to the BTSs.
After examining all the responses of M/s Tata Teleservices Ltd. on the above
mentioned subject, it is noticed that initially, M/s Tata Teleservices Ltd. has
not taken appropriate steps to restrict the mobility within the premises and
has advertised such service where consumer can have the impression that
mobility is one of the features. In the response also M/s TTSL stated that
fixed wireless phones combine the advantage of both mobile and landline phones.
Moreover, the measures taken, later on, to restrict the mobility has also been
found to be unsatisfactory. It is, therefore, clearly established that mobility
is not restricted to the premises and the terminal cannot be treated as fixed
terminal.
Whereas such services offered by M/s Tata Teleservices Ltd. does not conform
to the scope and character of the fixed service and provide the character of
Limited Mobile Service.
Keeping in view the above, the competent authority has decided that such
services are to be treated as limited mobile service within the scope of the
licence.
This is without prejudice to any other action that may be taken by the
Government in this regard.
Sd/- 26/8/05 (Sukhbir Singh) Director (BS-II) Tel. No.23036536 CC:
-
The Secretary, TRAI, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi.
-
Shri Rakesh Mehrotra, Chief Officer-Corporate Affairs, M/s Tata
Teleservices Ltd., Indicom Building, 2-A, Old Ishwar Nagar, Main Mathura Road,
New Delhi-110065."
38. Analysing the directive dated 4.3.2005 issued by TRAI, the point which
arises for determination is whether such directive is clarificatory or
amendatory. According to TRAI, it is clarificatory whereas according to the
appellants it is amendatory. In this case, as stated above, we are concerned
with the demand of ADC on the appellants for the period 14.11.2004 to
26.8.2005. According to the appellants, such a directive dated 4.3.2005 cannot
operate retrospectively. This is the key issue which we need to decide. In this
connection, it may be noted that the said directive was issued to all access
providers. The said directive came to be issued as it was brought to the notice
of TRAI that new terminals were being deployed by access providers which
terminals do not have any fixed network access point physically located at the
address of the subscriber. In the said circular dated 4.3.2005, TRAI noted that
fixed wireless services were required to be provided through fixed wireless
terminals with the location of the network access point being fixed and with
the end-user terminal being connected to it. That, it had been brought to the
notice of TRAI that new terminals were being deployed by certain access
providers which did not possess fixed network access point physically located
in the premises of the subscriber (PSR). Therefore, by the said circular, TRAI
directed the service providers to strictly ensure that the terminal used for
fixed wireless services should strictly comply with premises specification
restriction, i.e., to the premises of the subscriber. This stipulation in the
directive, according to the appellants, constitutes a new requirement which has
the effect of amending the terms and conditions of the UAS licence as well as
the Telecommunication Interconnection Usage Charges Regulation 2003. The said
directive dated 4.3.2005 stood followed by letters from DoT dated 23.3.2005 and
26.8.2005.
39. In our view, there is no merit in the above contention advanced on
behalf of the appellants that the above directive dated 4.3.2005 is amendatory
and not clarificatory. The reasons are as follows.
40. Firstly, the UAS licence classifies wireless service into three
categories, namely full mobility, limited mobility and fixed wireless access.
As stated above, in FWA there is no mobility of the User Device. FWA
replaces copper lines to the homes of the users by wireless links but without
the benefit of mobility for the User Devices. FWA is one type of service.
Mobility is a service feature. In FWA system, the location of end-user
terminal and the network access point to be connected to end-user are fixed.
In circular dated 4.3.2005, TRAI has used certain technological terms
generally used in telecommunications like network access point, end-user
terminal and fixed network access point. These terms find place in the generic
requirement formulated as far back as 1996. They also find place in the
Principles of Wireless Access formulated by ITU-RCA. Keeping in mind the
definitions given both in the technical references as well as in the principles
of wireless access formulated by ITU-RCA, it is clear that Premises Specific
Restriction ("PSR") is not something new which stood evolved for the
first time by circular dated 4.3.2005. In substance, PSR emanates from concepts,
which are well known in telecommunications, both in technological references as
well as in terms of generic requirements and in terms of principles of wireless
access. We may state that broadly FWA is called WLL(F). As stated above, the
UAS Licence refers to three types of wireless services, namely, full mobility,
limited mobility and FWA. As stated, in FWA, the location of the end-user
(Walky) and the network access point (antenna connected to the end-user) are
both fixed whereas in the case of mobile wireless access, the location of the
end-user is mobile. WLL(M) is a hybrid between FWA and MWA. Wireless access may
be considered from many perspectives. In this case, we are concerned with
mobility capabilities of the terminal: fixed, nomadic, mobile, restricted
mobility etc. As stated hereinabove, the main purpose of FWA [WLL(F))] is to
provide network access to buildings through exterior antennas communicating
with Central Radio Base Stations. In FWA, users in a building are allowed to
connect to the network with conventional in-built networks. FWA is a service.
It is intended as a cheap cable replacement, without additional features.
Wireless systems differ depending upon the amount of mobility that they allow
for the users. FWA system is a derivative of cordless phones. In FWA there is
no mobility of the user devices. This is where the concept/principle of PSR
emerges. As stated above, there is a difference between mobility and
portability. A terminal may be portable but every portable device is not
mobile. Therefore, in our view, the concepts mentioned in circular dated
4.3.2005 issued by TRAI exist in telecommunications right from 2001. The said
circular merely clarifies and brings out the concept premises specific
restriction.
41. To sum up, in WLL(F) the telephone is the access point if the antenna is
in-built in the telephone. If the impugned service is operable throughout SDCA
it is WLL(M). In WLL(F), location of end-user termination and the network
access point to be connected to the end-user are fixed. If the impugned service
cannot comply with PSR it is classifiable as WLL(M) for IUC, ADC, Numbering
Plan etc. Lastly, the only difference between fixed wireline and WLL(F) is that
WLL(F) is a cheap cable replacement without additional features. WLL(F) is
limited to specific premises of the subscriber or permanent location.
42. Secondly, the facts noted above indicate that the classification of
wireless service is done under the licence and based on that classification,
chargeability for imposition of interconnection usage charges and ADC is
contemplated by IUC Regulation of 2003. In other words, classification is done
by UAS licence followed by chargeability under IUC Regulation, 2003. Therefore,
it would be wrong to say that vide circular dated 4.3.2005 Walky has been
reclassified as WLL(M) for the first time by TRAI. If the concept of FWA
embodies PSR and that too from 2003 then it is clear that the said circular
dated 4.3.2005 is clarificatory. It does not alter the terms and conditions of
the licence. As stated, FWA is one of the wireless services contemplated by UAS
Licence which is dated July, 2003, therefore, much prior to circular dated
4.3.2005 these concepts were known to all access providers right from 2003.
Therefore, the said circular cannot be called as amendatory. It is purely
clarificatory in nature.
43. Thirdly, as stated above, in this case we are concerned with regulatory
regime. ADC is a levy. Its levy depends on mobility as a service feature. As
stated above, the numbering plan, radio frequency etc. are all important
elements of a network. The numbering levels for fixed wireless services and for
WLL(M) services are different. So also the numbering levels for fixed wireless
service, limited mobility service and full mobility service are different. The
identification of the call whether originating from mobile or from Walky or FWA
has a correlation with the numbering plan which is an important element of the
network of the appellant in its MSC. For levy of ADC, integrity of numbering plan
is very important. In the present case, TRAI has detected that the appellant is
providing WLL(M) service in the garb of fixed wireless phone service (FWA)
which disturbs the integrity of the numbering plan. It is important to note
that in the case of full mobility, the rate is different as compared to the
rate in the case of limited mobility as compared to the rate in fixed wireless
service. This difference in the rates is spelt out in IUC Regulation, 2003. It
is for this reason that even in the clarification issued by DoT on 23.3.2005
that DoT had warned the access providers by pointing out that the issue of
mobility has implication with respect to the applicability of ADC. It was
further clarified that if it is not possible for the access provider to comply
with the requirement of PSR then the Walky services shall be treated as WLL(M)
service for all purposes including numbering plan, interconnection usage
charges, ADC etc. This is because a separate level with allocated short
distance charging area based link numbering is to be used for wireline and
fixed wireless services. ADC is a levy. It is based on what is called as
recognition of services. Mobility is an important service feature. The record
indicates that right from 2003 when UAS licence stood issued the classification
was contemplated by the licensor-DoT when it categorized wireless service into
full mobility, limited mobility and FWA. ADC, interconnection usage charges
etc. follow that classification. IUC Regulation, 2003 imposes the statutory charges
based on the classification in the licence. What is important in this case is
that besides technological data, even as a matter of policy if there is a
contract between DoT and the access provider in terms of UAS licence which
provides for three categories then the levy of ADC would depend upon the
service which is rendered to the user by the access provider. In the
circumstances, apart from technology, this case is more on tax policy which
levies ADC on services which fall in the category of WLL(M).
44. Fourthly, wireless systems differ in the amount of mobility that they
have to allow for the users. The ability to move around while communicating is
one of the main features of wireless communication for the user. However,
within that requirement of mobility, different grades exist:
-
Fixed Devices: Fixed devices are placed only once. There is no mobility of the user devices
in this grade. The main object for using such devices lies in avoiding the
laying of cables. All wired communications fall also in this category (example:
PSTN).
-
Nomadic Devices: Nomadic devices are placed at a certain location for a limited duration of
time and then moved to a different location. Laptops are typical example of
nomadic devices.
-
Low Mobility:
Cordless phones are typical example of low mobility.
45. The point to be noted is that in the licence we have three types of
wirelss services, namely, limited mobility, full mobility and FWA. IUC levies
the charge based on this classification. ADC is a part of IUC. ADC is also
levied under IUC Regulation, 2003. In the case of Walky, the instrument can be
put in the car, it can be carried throughout SDCA and Walky calls can originate
not only from the subscriber's premises but it can also originate from any
point in the SDCA. Because of this mobility, it is classifiable in the category
of limited mobility. As stated above, in the case of FWA [WLL(F)] there is no
mobility of the user device. When there is no such mobility of the user device,
it is similar to all wired communications.
Therefore, FWA is categorized as WLL(F). All wired communications can also
fall in WLL(F) for the purposes of levy of ADC. However, since the user device
in the case in hand is mobile throughout SDCA, the services which the
instrument Walky offers has to be categorized as WLL(M) service. In the present
case, we find merit in the contention advanced on behalf of BSNL that the
appellants were providing WLL(M) services during the above period in the garb
of FWA or fixed wireless phone services and thereby they have infringed the
integrity of the numbering plan. Therefore, ADC is payable by the appellants
for the aforesaid period, namely, 14.11.2004 to 26.8.2005.
46. Lastly, as stated above, classification of services stood effected under
UAS Licence 2003. Under the terms and conditions of that licence, the access
providers were required to maintain the integrity of the numbering plan. This
was one of the conditions of the licence. Similarly,
classification/categorization of wireless services was done under the licence.
The categorization constituted the term of the licence. As a matter of
follow- up for the purposes of levy of certain charges, including ADC, IUC
Regulation 2003 stood enacted. Under Section 11(1)(b) of the 1997 Act, the TRAI
is empowered to ensure compliance of terms and conditions of licence and to fix
the terms and conditions of inter-connectivity between the service providers
[see: section 11(1)(b)(i) and (ii)]. Similarly, under Section 11(1)(c), TRAI is
also authorized to levy fees and other charges at such rates and in respect of
such services as may be determined by regulations. In the present case, the IUC
Regulation, 2003 indicates by way of schedule the rate chargeable for a call
originating from mobile to fixed, fixed to fixed, fixed to mobile etc. Under
Section 13 of the 1997 Act, TRAI is empowered to issue directions from time to
time to the service providers for the discharge of its functions under Section
11(1) of the 1997 Act. As stated above, the classification of the three
wireless services was done under the licence. The clarification issued by TRAI
on 4.3.2005 was under Section 13 of the 1997 Act. In the circumstances, the
said clarification dated 4.3.2005 was issued by TRAI in accordance with law.
47. In our judgment, we have examined the nature of the services, the status
of the circulars issued by TRAI and the status of the directive issued by DoT.
The reasons given in our judgment are in addition to the reasons given in the
impugned order dated 9.9.2005 by TDSAT. We find no infirmity in the judgment of
TDSAT.
48. Mr. Arun Jaitley, learned senior counsel for the appellant, on the issue
of Unilateralism submitted that when the question whether portable WLL(F)
Phones should be treated alike as WLL(M) phones was pending before TRAI
pursuant to complaints from BSNL dated 4.1.2005, was it open to TRAI to issue a
directive as is done in this case on 4.3.2005 without waiting for a
Determination by the Competent Authority. In this connection reliance was
placed on paras 2.26 and 2.27 of the Consultation Paper. We find no merit in
this argument. As stated above, directive dated 4.3.2005 is clarificatory and
not amendatory. The context in which the Consultation Paper emanated has been
explained by us in our Judgment in the Civil Appeal of Reliance Infocomm Ltd..
We do not wish to repeat the reasons herein once again. In any event, we have
looked into technology aspect and policy framework for levy of ADC hence there
is no unilateralism as alleged by the appellant.
49. Before concluding, one aspect needs to be mentioned. It is alleged by
the appellants and also by Reliance Infocomm Ltd. in the conjoint appeal which
we will separately deal with in the subsequent judgment that BSNL have also not
disclosed their numbering levels for their fixed wireless service and for their
LL(M) services which they have been providing during the relevant period in the
name of "Tarang", which according to the appellants, would now
constitutes WLL(M) service. According to the appellants, BSNL has also been
providing fixed wireless phone services which has limited mobility. This is a
matter of quantification. That stage has not yet arrived. However, Mr. Gopal
Subramanium, learned senior counsel appearing on behalf of BSNL, has fairly
stated that BSNL would abide by the parameters laid down in our judgment and
whatever adjustments required to be made in that regard in the context of
claims and counter claims, the same shall be worked out in near future. Be that
as it may, we express no opinion on the point of quantification which question
did not arise even before TDSAT in this case. Suffice it to state that the
services of the appellants vide the instrument Walky falls in the category of
WLL(M) service and, accordingly, the appellants would be liable to pay ADC in
that regard during the relevant period 14.11.2004 to 26.8.2005.
50. Accordingly, civil appeals stand dismissed with no order as to costs.
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