After prohibiting mobile operators from providing differential data tariffs through select tie-ups with content providers, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has come out with a consultation paper to explore what kind of free data the telecom companies can provide without breaking its earlier regulation.
The new consultation paper comes in the wake of operators such as Bharti Airtel and the industry body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), urging the regulator to review its earlier rules on differential pricing for data services.
TRAI has suggested three models for free data while inviting suggestions for more. The first model is the reward one wherein content providers give cash back or free minutes or free recharge to consumers who download apps or similar content from their services platforms. The second model suggested is very similar to the first but instead of a reward or cash back there’s no data charge for consumers. The third model is a direct subsidy model wherein the content provider reimburses a certain sum directly into the bank accounts of consumers for surfing a site or downloading an app. TRAI regulation in its consultation paper has said that objective of this consultation is to explore such models and frame regulations to facilitate them Moreover, TRAI has invited suggestions for the same and said that the stakeholders can submit their written comments to the regulator until June 16, and offer their counter-comments until June 30.
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