The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday began the process to review the existing policy on telecom tariffs, which includes evolving a mechanism on data usage charges. Issuing a ‘consultation paper' on ‘Review of policy of forbearance in telecom tariffs', the TRAI said as per the existing regulatory framework, tariff for telecommunication services were under forbearance except for rural fixed line services, national roaming services and leased circuits.
“Over the last few years, the telecom tariffs were on a declining trend. However, recent trends as well as reports from the industry and analysts indicate a possible reversal of this trend. In addition, a suitable tariff framework for data services is also required to be evolved considering that data usage is becoming more and more popular. In this context, TRAI has decided to examine the need to review the existing regime of tariff forbearance,” it added.