TRAI's Strategy to Combat Spam Calls and Unsolicited Commercial Communication

Wednesday, 28 August 2024, 08:26

Spam calls and unsolicited commercial communication are under scrutiny as TRAI proposes new tariffs and penalties. TRAI's initiative aims to reduce pesky messages and regulate telemarketing practices effectively. By implementing differential tariffs on telemarketers, the regulator seeks to encourage compliance among telecom service providers and protect consumers better.
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TRAI's Strategy to Combat Spam Calls and Unsolicited Commercial Communication

TRAI's New Approach to Questionable Telemarketing Practices

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is intensifying its fight against spam calls and unsolicited commercial communication (UCC) through proposed differential tariffs for telemarketers. The regulator's consultation paper asserts that the ongoing issue of pesky messages warrants stricter measures, proposing to impose tariffs beyond certain messaging limits to discourage telecom operators from facilitating such communications.

Key Points of TRAI's Consultation

  • 0.03% of subscribers reportedly send 51-100 SMS per SIM daily.
  • Proposed penalties for telcos could reach ₹50 lakh per month per circle.
  • TRAI's focus aims to transform commercial communication by mandating prior consent from users.

Steps Forward in Regulating Telemarketing

On the path to ensuring consumer protection, TRAI encourages stakeholders to contribute their views on the limits and tariffs applicable to telemarketing activities. The multifold increase in complaints related to unsolicited communications, rising to 1.2 million as of December 2023, reflects the urgent need for reform in this sector.

Additional Regulatory Measures Proposed

  1. Redefining commercial communications to include clear categorizations.
  2. Addressing robot calls and auto-dialer regulations.
  3. Improving detection of spamming perpetrators via feedback mechanisms.

This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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