The consultation paper was expected to generate useful inputs from all stakeholders viz. service providers, consumers, financial institutions and banks, policy makers and research institutions. In fact, these meetings in major locations are a platform for solving the problems faced by industry.

When contacted, a Trai official said this kind of response was unusual and it will continue to conduct such sessions in Chennai and Calcutta on July 3 and 4 respectively. Another meeting will be held in New Delhi on July 6. The Mumbai meet was attended by senior officials from ICICI, Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL), Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL), Hughes Telecom India Ltd (HTIL), etc. In his introductory address, Trai chairman MS Verma said that the regulatory authority will submit its final recommendations on licensing issues relating to fixed service providers within the next 30 days.

Hughes Telecom officials said on this occasion: "The availability of voice over Internet is likely to be a major threat to the basic service operators in the country. "If one customer can make a call to the US with Rs 5 per call via voice over Internet, who will spend Rs 80," the official said here on Friday. So far, as many as six operators have kicked off operations in basic circles in India. According to Hughes officials many firms are unable to achieve the financial closure as expected. And, these companies may not be able to offer cost-effective services due to obvious reasons.