TRAI to step-in to address tariff woes, says MNP's the way

Yesterday, the SC got many heads turning after it revoked the licenses of some 122 telecom companies operating in the country. Just recently, reports also confirmed that cash-strapped telcos were looking at tariff hikes as the way out of the current situation. Now, however, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has assured consumers that it would be probing into the matter.

Some relief (Image credit: Getty Images)

In his statement, as reported by Asian Age, TRAI Chairman, J. S. Sarma said, “We are coming up with a consultation paper shortly whether its time for us to review the current policy of forbearance (not intervening the market to fix call rates).” TRAI affirms that subscribers should not worry about increased tariffs, since MNP allows them to switch service providers, and choose the one suiting them better. In his statement further, J.S. Sarma stated that, "Subscribers have option to port out through MNP. We will instruct operators to come out with advertisement."

Additionally, looking up at all records of data activity on TRAI, it was revealed that subscribers were using SIM cards of new telecom operators, thereby keeping their primary numbers fairly inactive. Reports have been suggesting that the tariff hikes will not affect the majors in the country, which include Bharti Airtel and Vodafone.