The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has extended the deadline for implementing new rules to curb telemarketing calls and text messages for the third time, according to news reports.
This regulation was to be initially implemented on January 1, 2011. The deadline was later extended to February 1, 2011. Subsequently, TRAI gave operators a second extension, giving them until March 1, 2011 to implement the rules. Now, the new deadline for implementing this regulation is March 21, 2011.
TRAI has cited the delay in allocation of a uniform number series for fixed line telemarketers by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) as the main reason for the latest deferral.
In a statement, the regulator has said that the number series for fixed networks are still not allocated by DoT. It added that the matter has been taken up on an urgent basis to allocate the number series to telemarketers for fixed networks.
Meanwhile, operators have indicated that it will not be possible to provide all the resources to call centres from fixed line networks due to the high traffic volumes originating from such call centres, the statement said.
TRAI added that the number series for fixed phones will be issued shortly by DoT. This new series will have to be implemented by all access providers before allocation of resources to telemarketer. Access providers have sought additional time from the regulator as they need to change the configuration in their system and test the new series.
In this new amendment, TRAI has asked all access providers to withdraw all existing telecom resources (including mobile and fixed phone connections) by March 20. Earlier, these resources were to be withdrawn by February 28.
