Floor Price Structure Might Have Connectivity Charge As mentioned in the latest submission by COAI to Trai on Tariff issues on telecom services “There is a proper need to fix the floor price for cellular data services. Also, fixed floor price structure must have a connectivity charge or subscription irrespective of use even for voice.” However, COAI has not decided on the ideal floor price, which would revive the sector. Instead, the burden has been shifted on operators to present their calculations and suggestions. In order to fix the viable floor price, Trai has to intervene with the regulation of prices, citing the existing challenging circumstances. Floor Price will Regulate the Market COAI marked that whenever the industry has faced excess financial distress and competition, floor price has always regulated the market. It is quite evident that telecom industry is currently facing massive distress because of cash crunch and massive financial debt on telco giants. In such a scenario, COAI member operators are fully committed towards meeting the futuristic goals of the telecom industry set up by the government. However, COAI will need substantial investment for fibre backbone, technology to offer quality services. Fixation of floor price will show a positive impact on the distressed telecom industry as it would help the telcos recover their cost, remove financial liability and face competition in the market without any trouble. Also, floor prices will attract huge investments in the telecom industry. COAI addressed Trai and noted that floor prices must be fixed for an interim period of two or three years after which the regulator may review the tariff regime.
