Trai launches consumer care fund

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Friday announced setting up of a Telecom Consumers Education and Protection Fund to educate and inform the consumers about their rights and discourage operators to charge in excess, while shifting from one tariff plan to the other.

As per Trai estimates telecom companies have about Rs 10 crore (Rs 100 million) undisbursed amount accumulated over the last 10 years.

Trai has considered those cases when the number of those subscribers to whom the refund is due are numerous, the service providers may find it difficult to trace the consumers refund to the excess amount.

The fund will prevent unjust or undue enrichment of such service providers and educate consumers by utilising the excess amount charged from them, a Trai statement said.

There will be a committee for making recommendations to the Authority for utilisation of the amount.

The Fund will undertake programmes to educate consumers about various measures taken by the central government or Trai for protecting their interests, besides organising seminars, symposia and workshops on the subject.

It will also conduct studies and market research projects, either directly or through specialised agencies on matters safeguarding the interests of consumers.

The said amount would be transferred within a period of 30 days after being directed by the Trai.