Unfair to expect telcos to extend recharge benefits to all prepaid users: COAI

MUMBAI: Telecom companies have extended the validity of 2G prepaid connections to those who are not in a position to recharge services, but it was not appropriate to expect that the benefit would be given to all such customers, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) told the telecom regulator on Thursday.

“If the Authority and the Government feels there is a need to provide further benefit, including providing benefit to all the prepaid feature phone subscribers, then this should be provided in the form of a subsidy to the telecom sector like many other essential services. This could be adequately compensated from the Universal Service Obligation fund where more than ₹51,500 Crore is being lying unutilised as on 31.03.2020,” noted COAI.

COAI said to ensure continuity of service during the lockdown, those who are at the bottom of the pyramid and not in a position to recharge their prepaid services, member operators have provided extended validity for continuation of their services and talk time benefits to enable them to make essential calls.