Software to help consumers select tariff

[niket 0]

TRAI's to Protect Users From Too Much Choice.

Source: Voice&Data, March 09, 2004

TRAI has released a consultation paper on limiting the tariff plan options that access providers can offer. The main issues on which it seeks consultation are: the number plans to be permitted, the identification of service segments for the application of the proposed cap, desirability of having a minimum validity period for tariff plans, and the criteria in respect of tariff toppings and promotional offers.

With the freedom to offer tariff plans, providers have flooded the market with a large number of plans. While variety of choice is a welcome development, TRAI contends that too many plans confuse the customers and render informed choice difficult.

As many as 3925 tariffs were reported to TRAI by the basic and mobile service providers alone in 2003. By September 2003, 1421 plans were on offer all over India-an average 42 plans per circle. In addition, about 500 plans were offered as promotional schemes. The number of plans is likely to go up when new operators enter the circles.

TRAI seeks comments/suggestions from all stakeholders latest by 27 March 2004.

Edited March 11, 2004 by Ashokjp

[hovs 0]

Though it is true that too much choice will be difficult forselecting the best option or plan, the major problem is the fineprint and asterisks in the contract. And ofcourse the lack of a system or mechanism to redress the grievances. I feel it will be adequate if there is no lock in period and there is no cost involved for the customer if he chooses to change the service.

I will browse the TRAI site and see if I can send it before the deadline. However, I am sure that they will never respond or consider individual opinions as they don't have the time to reply whether the current plans and offers offered by various operators have been approved. But still I will make a try right now as I will be out of station till the month end will not have a chance to surf for long.

Edited March 12, 2004 by Ashokjp

[Chirag 5]

Trai planning software to help consumers select best tariff plan

Business Standard : March 26, 2004

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will be introducing a novel software to help consumer select the tariff plan best suited to their needs, in two months’ time. The software is developed by Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI).

“TERI is already working as a consultant for TRAI. Since they have the skills to develop and run this product, we thought they were the most befitting institution to handle this project,” Pradip Baijal, chairman, TRAI told an open house held here today.

Briefing the media on new software, said, “The new software will collect details on the types of calls the user is likely to make and throw up the tariff plan or plans that is best suited for them.”

He further said the operators for their part will be asked to submit their tariff plans in a particular format to be accepted by the software.

TRAI already has in place, format regulations for announcing new tariff plans. Baijal said while some operators follow these regulations, others don’t.

“We had two choices in dealing with these errant operators. We could have either prosecuted them or dealt with them in a market friendly way.”

Baijal said, he did not want people to see TRAI treat the operators harshly for not announcing the tariff plans in a particular format.

Moving to more consumer-friendly regime, TRAI has also submitted a draft consultation paper seeking the reduction of tariff plans per operator to five from the present limit of 25.

With a multitude of service providers in India, there are at any given point of time 3000 active tariff plans in India, making choosing the right plan a tough proposition for the end user.

“We are also talking about reducing the number of plans for each service provider to five,” he said.

Further the telecom regulator has come up with a draft citizens’ charter to enable telecom operators to provide uniform levels of services at a very basic level.

“The consultation group on this charter is meeting on April 2, to discuss the contentious issues in the draft,” he informed.

Additionally TRAI is also discussing with stakeholders including users and service providers to consider the possibility of appointing an ombudsman for the telecom sector.

Baijal was in Chennai today to meet with the consumer protection groups, telecom players and the media to participate in a workshop on this subject.

The discussion also covered the issues related to mobile phone thefts and regulations need to contain it.

While leading players like Reliance Infocomm and BSNL were supporting the appointment of a telecom ombudsman, the modalities are yet to be finalised.

“The existing district level consumer courts will not be dispensed with. Neither will the telephone adalat of BSNL be removed.

The dilemma we are faced with is, whether we need an ombudsman to protect the consumer when we already have a strong judicial system to serve this purpose.