TRAI may soon decide on differential pricing for data services

Amid a global debate over the issue of net neutrality, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India today said it might soon take a decision on the differential pricing for data services.
"A few days back, we had released a consultation paper on the differential pricing for data services. We may take a decision in this regard soon," TRAI secretary Sudhir Gupta told reporters on the sidelines of 'Consumer Outreach Programme'.
On TRAI's recommendation that the base price of the premium 700 mh band should be Rs 11,485 crore, which is the highest base price of spectrum for the purpose of auction, he said, "In our opinion this price of spectrum is not high. You have to look at it from the perspective of 20 years and not one year."

In its latest consultation paper on issues related to
closure of access services, TRAI also sought industry's suggestions on improving existing spectrum trading process.
"In case a TSP changes the access services technology and asks his subscribers to migrate to newer technology, should the tariff protection, carry-over of unused talk-time balance and benefits be extended to such subscribers upon migration to new technology for the contracted period," it said.
It also asked how much time should be given to subscribers to port-out after closure of commercial services, that is, the duration for the system to remain active to facilitate porting, and the changes needed in mobile number portability norms to ensure smooth transition.

The deadline for submission of written comments is January 9 and for counter-comments January 16, 2017.