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| Edited By: Prakash Yadav |Source: Zee Business |Updated: May 04, 2018, 05:35 AM IST
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) chairman Ram Sewak Sharma believes the security aspect has been included in totality while giving approval to in-flight connectivity. In an interview with Prakash Yadav of Zee Business, he talks on topics ranging from telecom ombudsman to pricing for in-flight connectivity.
Trai had first recommended ombudsman in 2008. We believe that the current system of addressing consumer-related grievances is not adequate. It is inadequate in the sense that if we have a complaint against telecom services provided, we have to approach the telecom service providers (TSPs). If not satisfied, one has to again appeal to the TSPs only. This is like appealing for justice from the entity against whom we have a complaint. Trai had said that the current two-tier system is okay but not adequate. So above all, there should be a system of ombudsman in the telecom sector so that if a consumer is not satisfied with these two, they can approach the ombudsman, which will work as a deterrent. The TSPs will work more responsibly while dealing with consumer complaints as they would be knowing that there is an authority in the form of ombudsman which is superior to them. It was very important. Already, there is ombudsman in banking, insurance sectors. I am confident that ombudsman will help in addressing the consumer complaints in an effective manner.
The situation of telecom-related complaints is a bit different. We have 100 crore customers. It means the flow of complaints will be much. For example, if someone is overcharged by Rs 50 in their phone bills, they do not raise any complaint. But I think this mindset is wrong. This small amount could become a big one seeing the number of consumers we have. There should not be any restriction on which type of complaint should go to the ombudsman. A consumer will be having the right to approach the ombudsman even with a very small complaint.
See, Trai's recommendations have been recently approved. The next process in this regard will be taken care by the government. Trai will do what it needs to. I cannot comment by when this ombudsman system will be in place; Telecom Department can tell.
We are of the view that pricing should be in forbearance. We won't dictate pricing till it is not required. Prima facie, it is our view that we won't decide on pricing for in-flight connectivity. The quote may be also included in the airfares by the airlines. See, I don't know what type of business model will be there. But right now, we have no intention of regulating the pricing of in-flight connectivity.
In security, the gateway is the most important thing. We had given our recommendations regarding this. And the government has also said that the gateway of the voice communications should be in India only. There is no problem in having a gateway in India as far as the internet is concerned. What we had said was that it might be difficult for the voice. So there should proxy, or we can say a copy of that should be with us. The security aspect has been included in totality while giving approval to in-flight connectivity.
