Users' woes regarding 4G conversion, porting out on TRAI radar

A slew of spectrum trading pacts that took place in the telecom sector have adversely affected a number of subscribers. Take for example, Videocon.

Videocon had to close down their operations after inking a pact with Airtel which left their subscribers high and dry.

On the other hand, existing Reliance Communications CDMA data subscribers have been asked to buy the new 4G dongle as the company starts its migration to 4G but there's a silver lining for these subscribers now. The telecom regulator is exploring the idea of formulating new rules to protect consumers affected by spectrum trading deals or licence expiry. Sources say TRAI has received multiple complaints from RCOM subscribers who have been using CDMA dongles so far. TRAI is working on a consultation paper to address such issues. They will look to compensate users who have been asked to purchase 4G devices after 2G services have been terminated.TRAI will also be looking into reducing the 90-day timeframe to port out to a new network as well. These are the issues that consumers are facing now.RS Sharma, Chairman, TRAI, said, "We have to look at various ways of looking into those issues."Every consultation paper doesn't have to result in a regulation or order, he stressed.Watch video for more...