TRAI increases processing fee on mobile top up vouchers
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has increased processing fee on mobile top up vouchers ( Rs. 20 or more) from Rs. 2 to Rs. 3. The TRAI announced the hike in the charge through an amendment made to its Telecom Traiff Order (TTO). The regulatory body also directed the telecom operators to launch at least one top up voucher priced below Rs. 10.
“Authority has decided to increase the ceiling on Processing Fee on Top up vouchers to Rs 3 from Rs 2 in respect of Top up vouchers having maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs 20 and above and to continue with the existing ceiling of Rs 2 in respect of top up vouchers having MRP of less than Rs 20,” the TRAI said in TTO.
The move is likely to impact 90 per cent of prepaid mobile users across the country. It’s notable that the processing fee will be inclusive MRP of the recharge coupon.
The regulatory body also noted that a lot of service providers did not provide top up vouchers below Rs. 20 and directed the telcos to launch at least one top up voucher priced below Rs. 10.
“With a view to protect the interests of users, the Authority mandates that every service provider shall offer and make available to the consumer at least one top up voucher, of denomination of Rs 10,” Trai added.
The new directive from the TRAI comes after the telecom industry bodies COAI and AUSPI requested the telecom regulator to increase the processing fee in the wake of escalating inflation. The COAI also cited factors such as hike in salaries, wages and transportation costs to support request for raising the fee.
Source: Deccan Herald
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