According to news reports, Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) has sought permission from DoT to levy bandwidth charges on a usage-based formula, in addition to the lump sum and prepayment modes that are already being used. This is because many business process outsourcing (BPO) companies have approached VSNL for usage-based network services. They need to serve both inbound and outbound calls and usually suffer from problems like high start-up costs and geographical area limitations. The flexible model will help call centres to serve seasonal campaigns, and experimental and short-term projects. VSNL intends to charge smalland medium-sized start-ups under variable charge international private leased line circuits (VC-IPLCs), a method of providing IPLC services with flexible commercial and usage terms.