Trai proposes 1 year validity for mobile internet schemes

NEW DELHI: Telecom regulator Trai today proposed to increase validity of mobile recharge voucher for internet services from maximum of 90 days to 365 days to enhance usage by marginal consumers.

"After examination of various aspects of the issue, the Authority feels a longer validity of 365 days instead of the current 90 days could be beneficial for marginal consumers, first-time users and price-sensitive consumers," Telecom Regulatory Authority of India said in a statement.

At present a company can issue recharge voucher which can be valid for maximum of 90 days. If a consumer has failed to consume mobile internet data quantity purchased through the voucher then the unused data lapses.

The regulator said that it has received requests seeking longer validity for data-packs primarily to address the concern of marginal consumers of wireless Internet who prefer lower denomination data packs with longer validity.

The regulator has sought comments from public on the proposal by July 26 on proposed amendment in existing rules.