In TRAI’s audit report of the findings of Massive Unauthorized and il-legal Value Added Services Activation, Airtel and Idea resort to maximum unethical business practices. TRAI has released a new set of regulations where in it has not diluted from its original stand of taking confirmation from customers through SMS OR double confirmation through a consent gateway managed by a third party [Earlier regulation mandated activation of services post confirmation from customers through SMS, fax or email. Telecom (and VAS) operators have been at loggerheads with TRAI over the regulation] In my opinion, the revised regulations are somewhat less restrictive as double confirmation has been in place for a couple of services.
What is Pro-Operators ?
Earlier we have seen TRAI reduction in cap on roaming tariffs, but broadly at par with market rates and today the freedom to take second consent of customer by means of OBD, IVRS, WAP, Mobile Internet, USSD, SMS, Tele-calling or any other mode of activation is Pr-Operators based.
What is Pro-Consumer ?
Customers can De-activate Value added Services by using Toll Free Common Short Code 155223 and all requests have to be processed within 4 hours. In case of Wrong Activations, the amount should be refunded within 24 hours. Also for renewal of existing services, a notice 24 hours prior should be given to customers including procedure on how to de-activate.
TRAI has also mandated that all Telecom Operators submit a monthly report on Number of Activations, De-Activations and Complaints.
What is the Reality of VAS Frauds in India?
We are yet to see the outcome of this new VAS Regulated platform. However, as on this date, their are 16,850, 28,225 and 15,746 complaints against Telecom Operators lying with the Department of Telecommunication lodged in 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively. Without any doubt, I can state on record that Indian Telecom operators are behaving like an Organized Mafia with no respect to consumers evident from the growing number of complaints and frustration of customers vented out on a dozen Complaints & Grievance Websites.