New mechanism to independently audit VAS activations from July 10

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has asked telcos to keep a record of VAS subscriptions from July 10. Starting that date, TRAI Chairman Rahul Khullar said that the body is looking to set up a mechanism that will allow it to verify incorrect VAS activations, putting an end to the existing one that offers easy exit, but not “re-confirmation of entry”.

Khullar added that once such a mechanism was installed, it would be technically possible to check facts pertaining to VAS activations.

In February this year, TRAI had announced that in the event of VAS being mistakenly activated on numbers, the subscribers can dial 155223 to register a complaint. The number is common for all operators. If consumers register their complaints on this number within 24 hours of activation, telecom operators will have to refund the amount charged for the activation of the service.

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No more wrongful VAS activations

The move was put into effect after the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) refused leniency in such cases. Telecom operators jointly introduced the service on February 2.

Subscribers using any VAS for over 24 hours can still use this number if they wish to deactivate the service. Such subscribers, however, will not be eligible for a refund. The VAS will have to be deactivated within four hours of the complaint being registered.

Khullar further revealed that the earlier system in place to activate VAS was “outsourced in the hand of the guy who had conflict of interest and essentially attempted to force the service on subscribers. Now this will be available in-house with TSP (Telecom Service Providers) which we can audit anytime,” he said.

News sources