NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Thursday taking an unprecedented move has decided to completely wipe off access deficit charge (ADC) component on domestic calls by April 01.

The decision would slash the rates of not only STD but ISD call charges as well.

Access Deficit Charge (ADC) is a levy paid by private players to BSNL to carry out rural operations amounting to Rs 5000 cr. BSNL was getting the ADC till about two years ago from private service providers to compensate the PSU to take services in rural areas, where private companies were reluctant to go.

The Cellular Operators Association of India has welcomed the unprecedented move by TRAI, as private players had been urging the removal of ADC completely since last year.

The move would benefit customers alone as they will have better options and better services to choose from.

TRAI has said that the revised call rates would be announced next week.