'Don't make CLIP compulsory chargeable service'
TRAI has directed the telecom operators not to make the Caller Line Identification Presentation facility as a compulsory chargeable facility and to be transparent in charging for the facility.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: TRAI has directed the telecom operators not to make the Caller Line Identification Presentation facility as a compulsory chargeable facility and to be transparent in charging for the facility.
Certain service providers are providing CLIP facility as a compulsory chargeable Value Added Service. No significant amount of work is involved in presenting the caller line identity to the called subscriber and thus the incremental cost of providing CLIP facility is negligible. Consequently, the Authority finds no justification in making CLIP facility a compulsory chargeable item, it said in a statement.
In an earlier direction, TRAI had said all monthly fixed recurring charges including CLIP which are compulsory for a subscriber under any given tariff plan shall be shown under one head to make it easier for the consumer to make a choice from among all tariff plans available in the market.
Though the Authority has refrained from mandating a cost-based tariff for CLIP facility keeping in line with the policy of tariff forbearance to protect the interest of consumers, the Authority has re-emphasized the need for enhanced transparency with regard to the charging for CLIP.
Through a Direction the Authority has now mandated that Charges for CLIP facility cannot be made a compulsory item of tariff for the subscribers in any tariff plan.
Whenever CLIP charges are sought to be levied by service providers, it shall be optional for subscribers. The operators have been given 15 days to restructure the existing tariff plans so as to make them consistent with the provisions of this direction.
Certain service providers are providing CLIP facility as a compulsory chargeable Value Added Service. No significant amount of work is involved in presenting the caller line identity to the called subscriber and thus the incremental cost of providing CLIP facility is negligible. Consequently, the Authority finds no justification in making CLIP facility a compulsory chargeable item, it said in a statement.
In an earlier direction, TRAI had said all monthly fixed recurring charges including CLIP which are compulsory for a subscriber under any given tariff plan shall be shown under one head to make it easier for the consumer to make a choice from among all tariff plans available in the market.
Though the Authority has refrained from mandating a cost-based tariff for CLIP facility keeping in line with the policy of tariff forbearance to protect the interest of consumers, the Authority has re-emphasized the need for enhanced transparency with regard to the charging for CLIP.
Through a Direction the Authority has now mandated that Charges for CLIP facility cannot be made a compulsory item of tariff for the subscribers in any tariff plan.
Whenever CLIP charges are sought to be levied by service providers, it shall be optional for subscribers. The operators have been given 15 days to restructure the existing tariff plans so as to make them consistent with the provisions of this direction.
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