Question : CHARGING OF RATES BY PRIVATE OPERATORS



(a) whether various private operators charge different rates from their mobile phone subscribers than the rates charged by the Government companies;

(b) if so, whether it is a violation of the guidelines and directions from TRAI in this regard; and

(c) if so, the action taken by the Government against the erring companies?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)

(a) to (c) The Telecommunication Tariff Order (TTO), 1999 provides flexibility to all cellular operators to fix tariffs. The mobile operators are at liberty to offer alternative tariff packages to subscribers depending upon their usage pattern. Both the Government owned companies and the private mobile operators give a number of tariff options for their subscribers, and these vary in terms of combinations of monthly rentals, call charges and free call allowances. There are large number of tariff plans and schemes available in different service areas due to competition.