The rift between state-run BSNL and private telecom operators on outstanding dues seems to have widened, with the PSU continuing its threat of snapping connection anytime if service providers don''t pay the Rs 165 crore dues.

According to industry associations COAI and AUSPI, BSNL has issued notices to players asking them to pay about Rs 165.62 crore for interconnect usage charges (IUC).

IUC is paid by one operator to the other for using its network to complete calls and send SMSes.

"... BSNL owes over Rs 255 crore to private players, it (BSNL) has not taken back its notice and has threatened to disconnect. Today was last date but they have given us time till September 26," Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) Director General Rajan Mathew said.

In a joint statement, CDMA industry body AUSPI and COAI, have alleged that BSNL is intimidating the private operators over incorrect financial demands without any considerations towards the consumer interest and the adverse effect on the telephony services crucial to consumers.

Both the industry bodies said BSNL's demand is "erroneous" as it has asked for an increased IUC rate, which is yet to be decided by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

The associations said TRAI's Interconnect Usage Charges (Regulation 2009) mandates a private operator to pay 15 paisa per minute as carriage charges for a call to the BSNL's fixed line network within the state/circle.

However, BSNL is allegedly trying to charge a higher amount of 65 paise per minute for such calls from all the private operators.

A senior BSNL official told PTI that the charge demanded by the company is as per telecom tribunal TDSAT judgement.

"Some players like Aircel, Sistema Shyam and Videocon have paid those charges in some cirlces. Those who have not paid in some circle are raising the issue to put pressure on the company and reduce charges," BSNL official said.