Amidst the talk of mobile recharge becoming expensive, telecom regulator TRAI has not yet confirmed any possible tariff increase. TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, in an exclusive conversation with CNBC-TV18, said that if telecom companies decide to increase tariffs by 10-15 percent, TRAI will not take any action based on mere speculation. He clarified that under the existing rules, telecom tariffs are under forbearance system. This means that companies can decide the price of their services themselves. TRAI monitors competition and tariff situation in the market.
Who decides the price of mobile recharge?
According to Lahoti, in the current system the tariffs are under forbearance. This means that mobile companies are free to decide their prices. There is competition among companies. In such a situation, companies try to acquire customers on the basis of the price of their plan and the facilities available in it. TRAI’s job is to monitor the market and ensure compliance with the rules.
Mobile tariffs in India lowest in the world?
TRAI Chairman also mentioned the competition in the Indian telecom market. He said that tariffs in India are probably the lowest in the world. This means that Indian customers are using mobile and data services at relatively lower costs compared to many other markets. However, in case the companies increase the tariffs, there may be a direct impact on the monthly mobile expenses of the customers. Therefore, customers are keeping an eye on the discussion of a possible increase of 10-15 percent.
A separate plan is also necessary for those who only call and SMS.
In the conversation, TRAI Chairman not only clarified the situation regarding tariff increase but also regarding voice and SMS-only plans. TRAI has directed telecom companies to provide such plans in which customers can pay only for voice calls and SMS. It will not be necessary to take data in this.
Lahoti said that no response has been received from the companies regarding this yet, but this rule has already been issued and the companies have to follow it.
Crores of people do not need data
TRAI argues that not every mobile customer needs data. There are a large number of feature phone users in the country who do not use mobile internet. Apart from this, there is also a section of elderly customers who do not need internet data or who do not use data services.
For such customers, instead of taking expensive recharge with data, the option of only calls and SMS can be more useful.
Option for customers to choose recharge as per their need
According to TRAI Chairman, the customer should get the option to buy only the service he needs. This simply means that if a customer does not want internet then he should not need to pay for data also.
