Idea fined Rs 3 crore for overcharging subscribers
Idea fined Rs 3 crore for overcharging subscribers for making calls to BSNL and MTNL networks. The sum is to be deposited in the Telecom Consumers Education and Protection Fund (TCEPF) as Idea would not be able to earn the refund to subscribers in view of non-availability of the rated telephone data records.
In accordance with the amendment, calls within every one of these states were treated as intra-service area (or local) calls for the purpose of call routing and form of access deficit charge.
Telecom regulator Trai has directed Idea Cellular to deposit Rs 3 crore for over- charging its subscribers for making calls to BSNL and MTNL networks.
The regulator said that despite the change, many private GSM operators were charging higher rates for calls terminating on the network of state-run firms BSNL and MTNL compared to calls made on the network of private operators inside the boundary of those states.network of state-run firms BSNL and MTNL in comparison with forecasts made on network of private operators inside the border of these states.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India in February 2006 directed mobile service providers to differential rates being levied by them on subscribers.
Service suppliers were directed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India in February 2006 to differential rates.
It requested operators to refund amount that they billed to their clients.
The management was challenged by the Cellular Operators Association of India along with other telecom operators while they lasted charging higher prices to consumers.
Telecom tribunal TDSAT disregarded after which the Supreme Court moved COAI’s appeal. The appeal was dismissed by the apex court in January 2015.
Idea Cellular said that the excess amount cannot be refunded to subscribers as call data records of that period are not available with it. The regulator, therefore, directed Idea to deposit the fund in TCEPF.
