According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), operators cannot impose higher tariffs on calls or text messages on blackout days, such as on a festival or any other holiday, say news reports.
Currently, on such occasions, operators do not offer free or concessional voice calls and text messages as a part of their regular plan or package. Also, as per existing guidelines, five days in a calendar year can be considered as blackout days and the operator cannot alter the same once a user opts for a package.
Also, operators will have to inform users in advance about such days and post a list of blackout days circle-wise, along with applicable tariffs on their websites every six months.
