Now no more extra charges for calls and SMS on those telecom operators announced blackout days. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), has issued directive to telecom operators in India prescribing additional measures with a view to enhance transparency in the matter of charging on blackout days.
The term ‘blackout days’ refers to the days on which the telecom providers do not allow free or concessional voice calls & SMS offered by them under any special plan or package. According to TRAI, telecom operators now can’t charge more on Calls and SMS beyond the customers existing plans on Blackout Days which include Diwali, Christmas, Onam, Independence day and other state-wide days.
Certain guidelines are already in place as per which the number of blackout days shall not exceed five in a calendar year and no alteration in any such date is allowed after the package is subscribed by the consumer. TRAI had earlier made a public list of SMS blackout days in 2012 approved by the telecom service providers.
The additional measures now being mandated include the following:
- The charges for calls or SMSs on ‘blackout’ days shall not exceed the rate in the tariff plan in which the consumer is enrolled.
- Consumers shall be given intimation prior to start of every blackout day and the date/ occasion of the blackout day shall also be intimated and
- List of blackout days applicable for the calendar year shall be displayed on the website of service providers, before start of every calendar year and shall be published, service area wise, along with the tariff plans of the service provider, every six months.
What do you think about this new directive by TRAI?