TRAI Rules- Mobile users will get rid of unwanted calls and messages, TRAI is taking this step

If we talk about mobile phones, then it has become an important part of our lives, but recently, people have started getting disturbed by unwanted calls and messages, which come about cheap plots, medical tests, college admissions, loans, and investments. It seems that telemarketing offers often come on our phones more than communication from family and friends. To solve this problem, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is taking important steps. Let's know about it-

The Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulation, 2018 (TCCCPR-2018), was introduced in February 2019 to curb unsolicited commercial communications (UCC). The purpose behind these rules was to protect consumers from unwanted promotional calls and messages, but the desired results have not been fully achieved.

TRAI’s consultation paper focuses on several key areas that may require amendments:

Definitions of commercial communication: Clarifying what constitutes unsolicited communication.

Grievance redressal mechanism: Improving systems for handling and resolving complaints.

Detection and enforcement of UCC: Enhancing methods to identify and address UCC violations.

Financial disincentives: Enforcing stringent penalties for non-compliance.

Regulations for senders and telemarketers: Revising rules governing telemarketing practices.

Analysis of increased calls and SMS: Understanding the increase in unsolicited voice calls and text messages.

Possible impact on tariffs

An important aspect of the consultation paper is the potential impact of telecom tariffs. To reduce unsolicited calls and messages, TRAI may propose different tariffs for voice calls and SMS.

TRAI encourages stakeholders to provide their feedback on the consultation paper. Written comments can be submitted by September 25, 2024. For those who wish to submit counter-comments, the last date is October 9, 2024. Comments and counter-comments should be sent to the email address advoqs@trai.gov.in.