Cellular operators have fallen in line with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's directive to put on hold the implementation of their reduced tariffs for national and international long-distance calls.

Though cellular operators Bharti Televentures, Hutchison and the Birla-Tata-AT&T combine had  written to the regulator justifying their reduced tariffs for national and international long-distance calls, they decided to revert to the old rates until the matter was resolved.

The cellular operators had reduced airtime tariffs for STD from Rs 2.40 a minute to 50 paise a minute and waived airtime charges on ISD calls.

"We may differ with the regulator but have decided not to go against the TRAI. We have already written to them giving our view point that low tariffs were being offered to take on the competition who are offering STD as low as 40 paise a minute. Our intention is not to be predatory or anti-competitive we are just protecting our turf," said a cellular operator.

Cell firms had earlier opposed TRAI on issues pertaining to interconnection which lead to an imposition of a penalty.

TRAI had asked the three cell firms to hold the reduced tariffs. The regulator wanted to know the costing based on which the tariffs were arrived at.

Though cellular operators need not take TRAI's approval for raising or lowering the tariffs, the regulator can intervene.

Industry sources also pointed out that the forbearance for cell firms was only on local airtime rates and not on STD tariffs therefore TRAI is right in asking for justification.

Industry sources said that cell firms have fallen in line with the TRAI order since it set a precedent for companies like Reliance whose tariffs are also under scrutiny.

TRAI has already sent a note to Reliance Infocomm and BSNL to submit revised tariffs based on the interconnect usage charges (IUC).

They also pointed out that TRAI move will also put an end to mindless tariff cuts seen in recent past which was having a negative impact on the companies bottomline.