Trai begins discussion on regulation of international mobile roaming services

NEW DELHI: Telecom regulator Trai on Tuesday issued a discussion paper on regulation of international mobile roaming services, following concerns over consumer complaints on “bill shocks” due to usage of such services.
The consultation paper aims to identify specific causes of bill shocks to consumers, evaluate the regulatory framework for adequacy to deal with the issue, review range of voluntary policies and measures adopted by telecom operators in India to prevent instances of bill shocks, and to make suitable changes in the regulatory framework, Trai said in a statement.
“The uniqueness of IMR (International Mobile Roaming) Services vis-a-vis other alternatives implies a de-facto monopoly of the home operator and raises concerns of any potential abuse of monopoly power resulting in adverse consequences for the consumer, be it in the form of abusive tariffs (including both higher rates and adverse-related conditions of the usage) or a general lack of transparency in the communication of tariffs leading to bill shocks,” Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) said in the statement.