• Telcos Must Publish Tariff Plans In Papers: TRAI

    Telcos Must Publish Tariff Plans In Papers: TRAI

    Jayesh Limaye, Jan 17, 2012 1351 hrs IST

    Also specifies additional steps to be followed to protect consumer interests.

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The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) continues to rule with an iron fist. It has now told telecom operators to publish their tariff plans in newspapers. These must be put up in at least one regional and one English publication. The telecom regulator has been receiving complaints from consumers about the "alleged lack of transparency and resultant confusion for subscribers due to the multiplicity of tariff plans". The rates have to be published in a format specified by TRAI for easy comparison, at least once every six months. Formats for prepaid and post-paid plans will have to be different and distinguishable from each other. In addition, telcos will have to display the latest tariff details on their websites at all times. This will also have to be updated at point-of-sale locations, at least on a quarterly basis. The deadline to adapt to these formats has been set to 3rd February.

In another move, the telecom regulatory body has decided to streamline and standardise the vouchers offered by providers. A colour code will have to be followed by all subscribers to distinguish between different types of vouchers. Details about plans, MRPs, and net monetary value will also have to be clearly mentioned on each voucher in font size not less than eight points.

Operators will also have to ensure that they do not adopt unfair practices, such as activating value-added services, without the subscriber's consent. The companies are required to inform customers about service charges, the validity period, and unsubscription procedure, even before activating their numbers.

This stand taken by TRAI on behalf of all mobile subscribers is a very welcome change, considering the apathy we have experienced in the past. What do you think?


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Discussion Board
(1) Comments
kanta
,mumbai, on Jan 17, 2012 03:22 PM
this is a much needed move. Companies like Idea cellular are not allowing consumers to chek their remaining data balance on internet planes & often impose trap in the name of fair usage policy.they are known to have understanding with corrupts in the ministry.
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