TRAI calls for transparency in tariff ads

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today directed all service providers to ensure that their tariff advertisements are transparent and should not mislead consumers.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday directed all service providers to ensure that their tariff advertisements are transparent and should not mislead consumers.

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The TRAI asked the operators to maintain a register having specimen of every ad and conduct internal audit to ensure they are complying with the direction.

"A tariff advertisement is considered to be misleading, which in any way is likely to induce the consumer to subscribe to a tariff plan which he would not have subscribed; contains an untrue statement; omits a material fact having bearing on the subscriber's decision; and fails to disclose attached limitations and restrictions," said TRAI.

The firms have also been asked to report compliance to the authority on a half yearly basis.