TDSAT asks TRAI to remove the cap on text messages for consumers

Despite initial success, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India?s (TRAI) measures to curb unsolicited text messages are facing difficulties.

Prior to this, the Delhi High Court asked TRAI to remove the cap of 200 text messages per day on users. This, however, did not apply to the limit imposed on telemarketers.

The cap on text messages was a part of TRAI?s guidelines to curb unsolicited text messages and calls. However, the cap also affected consumers and organisations that did not use these mediums for commercial purposes.

This was in response to a public interest litigation filed by Telecom Watchdog, an NGO. The organisation had claimed that the cap was imposed in a non-transparent manner and without consulting relevant stakeholders.

While various industry factions have expressed their satisfaction with the order, concerns over how the regulator will distinguish between text messages sent by consumers and unregistered telemarketers.

Thereafter, a similar petition was filed before the Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).

Now, like the Delhi High Court, the TDSAT has asked TRAI to remove the cap.