ISLAMABAD (SPECIAL REPORT)
Pakistani Long Distance International (LDI) Industry will continue with
the existing International Clearing House Exchange (ICH)
arrangements for inbound traffic as per legal and regulatory regime in
vogue. FCC in its recent Memorandum Opinion and Order has advised
USA based carriers to suspend payment to Pakistani LDIs despite the
fact that the interconnected USA Carriers had agreed to current
Approved Settlement Rate (ASR) and entered into contract which has
binding effects. FCC has no jurisdiction in Pakistan. Licensed telecom
operators of Pakistan are bound to follow the directives and policy of
the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Telecommunication
Authority (PTA).
PTCL and all LDI Operators in Pakistan are bound by the regulatory
regime and policies of the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan
Telecommunication Authority. Currently the ASR as approved and
fixed by the PTA is US$0.088 and this being the floor price for all
incoming traffic, PTCL cannot agree to any reduced rate. Any attempt
through any order to change the rate would be violation of applicable
rules, regulations and contractual obligation.
Any adverse order passed in any territory outside the geographical
boundaries of Pakistan is of no legal and material effect and as such
must not be relied upon for doing telecom business with Pakistani
licensed operators. Any business entity not complying with the
Pakistan’s existing telecom regime mandating US Cent 8.8 per minute
is considered to be in breach of the relevant agreement and will be
treated accordingly which will result in blockage of traffic as done by
Pakistani Operators in the past.
International operators not agreeing to currently enforced ASR for
Pakistan have been paying more than ASR to third parties for Pakistan
bound traffic and have been experiencing associated hazards. Any
International operator who does not terminate traffic in Pakistan
through the licensed LDI’s and which will now be verified using the ICH
central switch would be presumed to have terminated traffic illegally in
Pakistan.