Responding to the references received 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 Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued telecom tariff amendment.

The Authority 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 Authority 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 the Authority on May 13, 2021, seeking comments and counter comments from stakeholders.

According to the new guideline, every telecom service provider shall offer at least one Plan Voucher, one Special Tariff Voucher and one Combo Voucher having a validity of thirty days. They 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,” reads a statement issued by the TRAI.