Telcos to publish tariff plans in newspapers, says TRAI

TRAI has been striving hard to get things in order, be it asking telcos to provide usage details to prepaid customers or initiating to improve the affair of customer service. Earlier, it had even raised a voice against additional charges levied upon users during festivals. Now, to maintain transparency, TRAI has asked telcos to publish tariff plans in newspapers, English as well as one regional language newspaper, reports Business Today.

Tariff to publish in newspapers

"Notwithstanding several steps taken by Trai in the past with a view to enhance transparency in tariff offers, the Authority continues to receive complaints from consumers and their representatives allege lack of transparency and resultant confusion for subscribers due to the multiplicity of tariff plans of various nature available. Tariffs must be published in at least one regional and one English paper. The new formats will be adopted by telcos by February 3,” said TRAI.

Reportedly, TRAI has said that the tariffs should be published every six months and in specified formats for prepaid and post paid customers. Moreover, TRAI also states that companies should submit publication compliance report and at all points of sale, the telco sites should display tariff plans. The information on the site must be updated at all times.

Some other issues of concern by consumers, include operators not providing details like last call duration, charges, validity period, account balance and so on.