Regulator not satisfied with telcos’ measures on validity extension

Not satisfied with telecom operators’ measures to extend validity of prepaid subscribers, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has written another letter to all companies seeking additional details, like the number of users who have been provided with additional talk-time, validity, etc. The regulator also did not appreciate industry body COAI’s response on the matter as operators were asked individually to reply.

Trai on April 7 had written a similar worded letter to all telcos “to take immediate steps to ensure that all prepaid subscribers can enjoy uninterrupted services during the period of lockdown”. The telcos were asked to submit compliance immediately. But COAI replied to the regulator on behalf of its members, stating that benefits worth Rs 600 crore had been provided to subscribers and if the regulator wants more, subsidy from the USO fund should be used for it.