‘The News’ today reported that Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is working on a proposal to maintain “International Clearing House” to monitor all calls that are landing into Pakistan from abroad.
News item said that PTA is making efforts to audit all incoming and outgoing international calls to make more money from taxes. It was told that Regulator is convinced that this way they may help small Long Distance and International (LDI) and LL (local loop) operators to survive in current competitive telecom market.
‘The News’ also discussed the impact this International Clearing House is going to make on telecom operators. Mainly the impression the News gave that this step from PTA is going to cost companies some bucks, at the same time, the implementation of any such project is not mentioned in LDI and LL Telecom Licenses.
ICH is said to be governed by an executive board that will bear the representation from almost all LDI operators. This board will monitor all landing points/gateways/switches and will conduct regular technical audits to ensure transparency.
Apparently, all LDI and LL operators, except PTCL are severely against the implementation of any such International Clearing House.
After consultation, PTA is expected to soon launch ICH, which may boost the grey traffic coming into the country.
