The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has mandated telcos to have at least one tariff plan which allows a recharge validity of 30 days, in a departure from its longstanding policy of forbearance on tariffs. TRAI has received references from consumers expressing concerns regarding the tariff offers of 28 days’ validity (or in multiples thereof) by telecom service providers (TSPs), rather than tariff offerings having validity for 30 days or a month.
The regulator has noted that, nevertheless, TSPs have been transparent in disclosing the validity period of the said tariff offers as 28 days etc. and have not attempted to market the same as monthly tariffs. At the same time, the regulator is conscious of the need to address consumer concerns and perceptions in this regard.
Accordingly, as per extant practice, a consultation paper on “Validity period of Tariff Offers” was issued by TRAI in May 2021, seeking comments and counter comments from stakeholders. In addition, TRAI conducted an open house discussion (OHD) on the issues raised in the consultation paper.
After considering the views of all stakeholders/ participants and analysing international practices in this regard, TRAI decided to add clause to telecommunication order 1999 that every TSP shall offer at least one plan voucher, one special tariff voucher and one combo voucher having a validity of thirty days. The clause further included that every TSP shall offer at least one plan voucher, one special tariff voucher and one combo voucher which shall be renewable on the same date of every month.
With the enactment of the amendment, telecom consumers will have more options to choose service offerings of appropriate validity and duration. This would also facilitate consumers in making a more informed tariff-related choice.
