In a bid to increase the number of broadband subscribers in India from present 1.7 Million, TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has enforced strict laws to ensure that customers get what they are told by the service providers.
From a mere 50,000 subscribers in 2004, the figure has risen to more than 1.7 Million but complaints regarding quality of service have also seen a considerable increase. Therefore new law enforces ISPs (Internet Service Providers), which take payments in advance for new subscriptions to start the connection within 15 days and, also, ensure that it works more than 90% of times in each quarter. Starting September next year, the level will be raised to 98%.
Nripendra Misra, TRAI chief, warned service providers to take this announcement as a final warning to fulfill standard requirements.
Fines will be imposed against broadband service providers and rebates will be provided to customers, if connection is not provided on time and if fault complaints are pending for over specified duration of time.
"The steps were necessary as Indian broadband service providers were starting to take things for granted. Though services are acceptable in metropolitan cities, problems like over-billing, disconnection & lesser speeds have risen considerably since more number people have started moving towards broadband," said a RNCOS analyst.
Also, if bandwidth utilization goes above 90% on any link, network will be considered congested and therefore, will be mandatory for broadband service providers to increase bandwidth within a month's time. Complaints taken over the phone will also be under observation regarding percentage of complaint calls answered by an operator. TRAI formulated these guidelines on the basis of public & shareholders' considerations.
Related Market Research Reports:
Indian Telecom Analysis (2008-2012)
Indian Telecom Sector Analysis (2006-2007)
Mobile Handset Industry Asia (2004-2009)
