TRAI had recently sought suggestions from telecom operators and other stakeholders regarding recharge plans with only calling and SMS. Telecom companies have given their reply to the telecom regulator regarding this. Private telecom companies had increased their mobile tariff rates by up to Rs 600 last month, due to which many users expressed displeasure on social media platforms. The telecom regulator issued a consultation paper asking industry stakeholders and telecom operators to provide plans with only calling and SMS.
On the suggestion of the telecom regulator, Airtel, Jio and Vi (Vodafone-Idea) have filed their reply. Telecom operators told TRAI that our recharge plans are designed in such a way that users do not need to buy a separate plan. In these recharge plans, users have been given equal facilities, due to which they do not have to take any separate plan. In such a situation, their recharge plans are a good option for mobile users.
Telecom companies replied
Telecom companies said in their reply that they do not need to bring separate voice or SMS only plans for users. At present, the central element of telecom users is data, due to the unlimited calling and data available with it, the user experience has become much better. This is the reason why the current unlimited model is proving to be a hit compared to the old pay-as-you-go model. All telecom companies are following this model.
Airtel has also said in its reply to the telecom regulator that the current plans are very simple, due to which users find it very easy to understand them. No hidden charges are taken in these. Users are choosing and using voice, data and SMS plans as per their choice, that is, users already know what benefits are being given in which plan.
TRAI had issued a consultation paper
TRAI had issued this consultation paper on Telecom Consumer Protection Regulation (TCPR) 2012. The government agency had sought feedback from stakeholders on this consultation paper. TRAI has also asked telecom companies in its consultation paper whether color coding would be the right step in digital medium? On this, telecom companies have insisted on continuing with the existing system.