From October 1, 2024, significant changes are coming to the telecom industry, making it easier for customers to understand the availability and quality of services in their areas. The new regulations, implemented by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), require all telecom companies to display detailed information on their websites regarding the types of mobile services available—whether 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G. This will enable customers to choose the most suitable service according to their needs and location.
Why the New Rules Are Being Implemented?
Often, a telecom company might offer 5G services in a metropolitan area while providing only 2G or 3G services in smaller towns or rural regions. This discrepancy creates confusion for customers trying to understand the best options available in their locality. The new rules aim to bring transparency to this process, helping consumers make more informed choices.
What Will Change from October 1?
- Display Service Availability on Websites: All telecom providers are now required to display the availability of their mobile services by area on their official websites. This includes the type of technology available (2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G) for each region they serve.
- Enhance Service Quality Reporting: Companies will also be mandated to report key quality metrics, ensuring customers have access to service reliability information, including network coverage and data speeds.
- Use of Secure Communication Protocols: SMS messages will only be allowed if they are sent using secure URLs and OTP links, enhancing the safety of communications and reducing phishing attempts.
- Digital Platform for Telemarketing Calls: TRAI has directed that by September 30, 2024, all telemarketing calls starting with the “140” series must be shifted to a digital ledger platform, ensuring better monitoring and management of such communications.
Changes Benefit Customers?
- Better Transparency: Customers will have clear information on the availability of different types of mobile services in their areas, allowing them to choose plans and service providers more effectively.
- Improved Service Quality: With mandatory service quality metrics being displayed, customers can compare the performance of different telecom operators in their area.
- Enhanced Security: The implementation of secure URLs and OTP-based messaging will ensure safer communication channels and reduce risks of fraud.
- Efficient Monitoring of Telemarketing Calls: The digital ledger platform will enable easier tracking and control of telemarketing calls, leading to a more regulated and customer-friendly experience.
TRAI’s Guidelines for Online Service Improvement
In addition to the above changes, TRAI has instructed all telecom operators to upgrade their online services to provide a smoother user experience. This directive consolidates previous regulations like the Mobile Telephone Service Rules of 2009, the Wireless Data Quality Rules of 2012, and the Broadband Service Rules of 2006 into a unified framework that will come into effect from October 1.
Positive Takeaway
The upcoming changes in telecom regulations from October 1 are set to revolutionize the industry by providing greater transparency, better service quality, and enhanced security for customers. With these updates, customers will now have access to the information they need to select the most appropriate service provider and plan, while telecom companies will have the opportunity to improve their network performance and customer responsiveness.
