The circular clarified that only incoming calls to ISPs will be enabled while the outgoing will be disabled. This hangs a Damocles' sword on a number of value-added services such as unified messaging and `the store and forward' fax facility which some private ISPs have already started offering.

Here is why. Many value-added services require outgoing dialing. For instance, subscribers of unified messaging services like fax to e-mail and e-mail to fax receive these services through an unique ID or virtual number. This, in turn, is forwarded to the subscriber by the ISP using the outgoing facility in the ISP's PSTN line. With the Internet access rates falling each year, private ISPs have little to fall back upon except value-added services for increasing revenues until such time they don't strike revenue-sharing deals with the basic service providers.

``Such unilateral decisions by the DTS to limit the facilities will seriously hurt the development and availability of value-added services on the Internet. It is common knowledge that procuring access resources like direct exchange lines (DEL), E1R2 and leased lines has been an uphill task for us,'' ISPAI secretary Amitabh Singhal told eFE. ``It is here that the rules and regulations have been applied differently in different places for different people and tariffs have been inconsistent from circle to circle. These things should have been sorted out long back. Strings should not be attached after the lines are given,'' added Singhal.

Ironically, the clarification was sought by the private ISPs last November with regard to simplification of procedures and interpretation of tariffs. ``Instead the department has gone on to restrict the scope of services,'' said Singhal.

The draft of the ISP Policy in early 1998 had defined such services as being part of the policy. Later, it was decided that instead of pinpointing all that could be allowed, the policy should state what is not permitted. The final draft had, therefore, permitted all kind of access and content by ISPs, except Internet telephony.

Taking umbrage at DTS' attitude, ISPs have pointed out that if concessions can be given to VSNL and MTNL, the same should be extended to them too. ``What we are saying is that if DEL can't be given to ISPs, give them E1R2 lines with DLD (direct inward dialing). This will ease our problems to a large extent and bring parity in the game,'' said Singhal.

DTS officials were not available for comment. ISPAI has also pointed out that while both MTNL and VSNL had been permitted to not only offer dedicated Internet Ports using PSTN lines to its subscribers as an attractive alternative to costly leased lines, the request of private ISPs to offer similar service has not yet been considered.

It has also pointed out that each private ISP have been given just one universal dial-up access number in contrast with VSNL which has three. Besides, VSNL has set up its access nodes in seven more cities - Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Mysore, Vashi, Dehradun, Trivandrum and Jalandhar - even as its licence is for six locations - the four metros, Bangalore and Pune.

``How have they been allowed to set up nodes outside of their service area. And if they have been, why can't we been given the same treatment?'' says a CEO of a Delhi-based ISP who did not want to be named. Another issue is the access on local call basis in smaller cities and towns which private ISPs say DOT is committed to provide to any ISP within the service area only.

``But they look the other way in case of VSNL and MTNL which, for instance, provides access on local call even in Gurgaon, Noida and neighbouring areas, while we have to set up points of presence (POPs) for the same,'' he said.Another problem stems from the fact that private ISPs have not been able to enhance their services as the DTS gives only one phone number against a E1R2 digital line which can be technically sub-divided into 30 lines. ``MTNL basic service franchisees are provided wth this facility, then what is the problem in giving us the same?'' he added.

The last has, of course, not been heard in the battle of DTS versus private ISPs. Private ISPs have decided to take up cudgels against these and other technical issues and will make representations to TRAI, DTS and others in the coming week.