What is telecome consumers protection act 2024, what are its benefits and what are disadvantage

What is telecome consumers protection act 2024, what is its benefits and what are harms also give brief details are special changes and why

 The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently introduced the "Telecom Consumers Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations, 2024" and the "Telecommunication Tariff (Seventieth Amendment) Order, 2024" to enhance consumer rights and streamline tariff structures in the telecommunications sector.

Key Changes and Their Benefits:

1. Separate Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) for Voice and SMS: TRAI now mandates that telecom operators offer distinct STVs exclusively for voice and SMS services.This change allows consumers, particularly the elderly and those in rural areas, to select and pay only for the services they require, promoting cost efficiency.

2. Extended Validity Period for STVs and Combo Vouchers (CVs): The maximum validity for STVs and CVs has been increased from 90 days to 365 days.This extension provides consumers with greater flexibility and convenience in managing their service plans.

3. Elimination of Colour Coding for Vouchers: With the rise of online recharges, the traditional colour-coding system for physical vouchers has been discontinued, simplifying the purchasing process for consumers.

4. Revised Denomination Rules for Top-Up Vouchers: The previous restriction that reserved denominations of ₹10 and its multiples exclusively for top-up vouchers has been removed. However, telecom operators are still required to offer at least one top-up voucher with a ₹10 denomination, ensuring affordability.

Potential Concerns:

• Implementation Challenges: Telecom operators may face operational challenges in adapting to these new regulations, which could lead to temporary service disruptions or confusion among consumers during the transition period.

• Market Competition: While the amendments aim to enhance consumer choice, there is a possibility that some operators might reduce the variety of bundled services, potentially affecting consumers who prefer comprehensive service packages.

Rationale Behind the Changes:

These amendments are designed to address evolving consumer needs and the increasing shift towards digital transactions. By offering separate STVs for voice and SMS, TRAI acknowledges the diverse usage patterns among consumers.The extension of voucher validity and the removal of outdated practices like colour coding reflect a commitment to modernizing regulations in line with current market trends.