Not happy with your 4G connection? Trai may help you

New DELHI: Experiencing slower internet speed and poor coverage despite subscribing to an expensive 4G tariff plan? Or, are you being charged excessively for data usage despite engaging in limited browsing?






Telecom regulator Trai has started the process of looking into these critical consumer issues as part of a comprehensive overhaul of rules that govern telecom tariffs in the country. In a consultation paper `Regulatory Principles of Tariff Assessment', Trai dealt in detail on issues related to transparency in tariff orders; promotional schemes and their validity; anti-competitive behaviour of operators; and predatory pricing and dominance by mobile companies.


The regulator said while it has taken a number of measures to ensure transparency to consumers, it still receives a number of complaints regarding tariff offers not being adequately transparent.



"... data services have become popular and form a substantial portion of customers' expense. However, a number of complaints on the excess charging are also received," Trai said. "While conveying the tariff for data, the underlying conditions like usage in the night are either not revealed or are given in fine-print. In case of data services, fair usage policy with regard to reduction of speed is also not disclosed to the consumers in clear terms," the regulator said, while seeking views on how to tackle the issue.

It also spoke about how consumers may be billed for supposedly-superior services, even as the service and network quality are not up to the mark. "While advertising data offers, telecom companies mention the latest technology coverage that a consumer would experience. However, in reality the current networks are a combination of 2G3G4G technologies and consumers experience the benefit of latest technology in patches only .This leads to consumer dissatisfaction," Trai said.

"Therefore, it has to be conveyed clearly to the consumer that the coverage would be sub ject to availability of the network." Trai said transparency in tariff is, and has been, a prime issue of concern for it."Trai has issued several directions and guidelines to ensure transparency in tariff offers to protect interests of consumers.

However, despite the various measures... Trai has been receiving complaints from consumers and consumer organizations highlighting, inter-alia, issues concerning transparency in the tariff offers of telecom companies," it said in the consultation paper, adding that many of the tariff plans are difficult to comprehend and lack 

by gadgetsnow