TRAI asks MSOs to send bill, provide online payment option

NEW DELHI: Cable operators in areas where digital cable has been implemented will have to mandatorily provide bills to all their subscribers for any payments, give options for online payments and communicate bill-related details on mobile phones or through emails, as per a new directive of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

“During the inspection of some of the MSOs (multi system operators), the authority noted that the compliance to the provisions of the regulations and directions related to the provisions of the bills and receipts to the subscribers is not satisfactory,” TRAI said in a press statement. As per the order, the MSOs must ensure the delivery of bills by hand or posts or emails.

The MSOs will also have to provide online payment options within 45 days of its order dated May 27, 2014. The TRAI has also directed the MSOs to send electronic acknowledgement on their registered mobile numbers or email addresses immediately after the payment is made. This has to be implemented within 30 days of the order.