The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) serves as the authority that regulates India’s telecom and broadcasting industries. Founded to enhance transparency, TRAI is an important entity overseeing telecom services and is India’s DTH regulatory authority. Aims to protect consumer rights while fostering a competitive environment among service providers. Read the blog further to take an in-depth look at the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India its structure, key responsibilities, and the latest regulations shaping the TRAI telecom industry.
| TRAI’s new rules extend validity and reduce costs for secondary SIM users.
1. Jio SIMs stay active for 90 days; a reactivation plan is needed after this. |
What is TRAI
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), established on February 20, 1997, under the TRAI Act, 1997, is a regulatory body formed to oversee telecom services and ensure transparency between service providers and consumers.
The TRAI full form highlights its pivotal role in governing India’s communication and broadcasting industries.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) focuses on:
- Regulating tariffs to ensure fair and transparent pricing for consumers.
- Resolving disputes among telecom operators to maintain harmony in the industry.
- Developing regulations to guide the telecom and broadcasting sectors.
- Streamlining operations by issuing licenses to service providers.
- Strengthening its position as the foremost DTH regulatory authority in India.
Hence to ensure efficient decision-making, accountability, and seamless implementation of its regulatory responsibilities, TRAI has a structured organization, read further to know more.
TRAI Structure
The structured approach enables TRAI to uphold its mission of protecting consumer interests and promoting fair competition in the industry. Here’s the information organized in a table for clarity:
| TRAI Structure | Details |
| Composition | Includes a Chairman, at least two full-time members, and not more than two part-time members. |
| Appointing Authority | All members are appointed by the Central Government. |
| Expertise of Members | Members must have special knowledge or professional experience in:- Telecom, Industry, Finance, Accountancy, Law, Management, Consumer Affairs |
| Eligibility Criteria for Members | Senior or retired Government officers who have served for at least three years as Secretary or Additional Secretary to the Union or State Governments. |
Objectives of TRAI
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was established to regulate the telecom and broadcasting sectors in India. Its primary objectives are:
1. Promoting Fair Competition: TRAI ensures a level playing field among telecom operators to foster healthy competition, innovation, and better services for consumers.
2. Improving Service Quality: The authority sets quality standards for telecom and broadcasting services, monitoring compliance to ensure high service reliability and performance.
3. Protecting Consumer Rights: TRAI safeguards consumer interests by addressing grievances, enhancing transparency in service delivery, and ensuring affordable access to telecom services.
4. Facilitating Growth: TRAI supports the orderly growth of the telecom and broadcasting sectors through policies that balance consumer needs with industry sustainability.
5. Affordable Connectivity: The authority works towards providing cost-effective and accessible telecom services across urban and rural areas, bridging the digital divide.
Mobile Apps of TRAI and Their Motive
TRAI has introduced several mobile apps to empower users and improve service transparency. These apps serve as tools for consumers to assess, manage, and report on telecom services:
1. MySpeed App: This app allows users to check their internet speed and evaluate the performance of their network provider.
2. DND 2.0 App: The app helps consumers block spam calls and messages by activating the Do Not Disturb (DND) service.
3. MyCall App: Users can rate the quality of voice calls through this app, providing feedback that helps service providers improve their networks.
4. Channel Selector App: Aimed at DTH subscribers, this app lets users choose and customize their TV channel preferences, ensuring transparency in billing.
| MNP: Mobile Number Portability
TRAI facilitates seamless Mobile Number Portability, allowing users to switch between operators without changing their numbers. Send PORT <Your Mobile Number> to 1900 via SMS to receive a Unique Porting Code (UPC). This helps in verifying your number while switching operators. |
TRAI New Recharge Rules
TRAI has introduced new rules regarding SIM card validity, providing relief to users who often forget to recharge their secondary SIMs. The updated guidelines are designed to keep SIM cards from providers like Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL active for an extended period without frequent recharges.
These TRAI new rules not only help users reduce their expenses but also ensure greater convenience for secondary SIM usage.
Key Aspects of TRAI’s New Recharge Rules
1. Extended Validity for SIM Cards:
- Jio, Airtel, and Vi SIMs now remain active for up to 90 days without a recharge.
- After 90 days, users may need to opt for a reactivation plan to keep their numbers active.
2. Consumer Relief:
- Frequent recharges are no longer necessary, especially for users with secondary SIMs.
- Minimum recharge options like TRAI 20 Rs recharge plans offer affordable ways to maintain activation.
3. Protection Against SIM Deactivation:
- Users who forget to recharge within 90 days can still activate their SIMs within a grace period (up to 15 days for Airtel).
- Post-grace period, numbers may be permanently deactivated and reassigned to other users.
4. TRAI Number Check Initiative:
Consumers can now easily monitor the status of their SIMs through the TRAI number check feature to avoid accidental deactivation.
Jio, BSNL, Airtel & Vi SIMs To Stay Active For 4 Months With Rs20 Recharge
| Telecom Operator | SIM Validity Without Recharge | Grace Period | Reactivation Plan | Additional Notes |
| Jio | 90 days | N/A | Required after 90 days | Incoming call services may vary based on last recharge plan. |
| Airtel | 90 days | 15 days | Required after 105 days | Number will be closed and reassigned if not recharged. |
| Vi (Vodafone Idea) | 90 days | N/A | Minimum recharge of Rs 49 after 90 days | Number will be deactivated if not recharged. |
| BSNL | 180 days | N/A | Required after 180 days | Longest validity period. |
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Impact of TRAI’s New Rules
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced rules that significantly benefit both consumers and telecom operators, creating a more balanced and efficient telecom ecosystem.
For Consumers:
- Convenience: Users benefit from longer validity periods without worrying about frequent recharges.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Reduced financial pressure, especially for those maintaining secondary SIMs for specific purposes like data or minimal usage.
- Transparency: Clear guidelines help users plan their recharges better and avoid unexpected deactivation.
For Telecom Operators:
- Revenue Diversification: The introduction of affordable reactivation plans can help operators recover costs.
- User Retention: Longer validity periods reduce churn rates as users are less likely to abandon inactive SIMs.
- Operational Efficiency: Clear rules minimize disputes and streamline SIM reassignment processes.
New SIM Card Rules
1. Aadhaar-based biometric verification is mandatory for all new SIM card activations.
2. Other forms of ID, like voter ID or passport, are no longer accepted for SIM cards.
3. Fraudulent SIM card usage linked to financial scams and cybercrimes is under strict scrutiny.
Ways to Verify TRAI Check Number
The TRAI Check Number feature helps users verify all active mobile numbers linked to their ID, ensuring transparency and security. Here’s how to check:
TAF-COP Portal: This portal helps users by providing tools to verify and manage all mobile numbers registered under their identity.
- Visit the official TAF-COP portal
- Enter your mobile number to log in.
- The portal displays all mobile numbers registered under your name, and you can flag unauthorized numbers for deactivation.
Check TRAI Number Using USSD Codes:
Dial specific USSD codes provided by telecom operators to check active SIMs linked to your ID.
- Jio: Dial *1#
- Airtel: Dial 1219#
- Vi: Dial *199#
Check TRAI Number Using Telecom Operator Apps:
- Use apps like MyJio, Airtel Thanks, or Vi App to view numbers linked to your ID.
- Check the “Account Details” or “Manage SIM” sections for updates.
Comparison of Jio and Airtel’s ₹449 plans
| Feature | Jio Rs 449 Plan | Airtel Rs 449 Plan |
| Validity | 28 days | 28 days |
| Data | 3GB/day | 3GB/day |
| Calls | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| SMS | 100 SMS/day | 100 SMS/day |
| Special Offers | Access to Jio apps (Cinema, TV) | Apollo 24/7 Circle membership, free Hello Tune |
TRAI Customer Care
Call your telecom operator’s customer service to inquire about all active numbers registered under your ID. Here’s the customer care number of TRAI.
Address:
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
Mahanagar Doorsanchar Bhawan
Next to Zakir Hussain College,
Jawaharlal Nehru Marg (Old Minto Road),
New Delhi – 110002
Telephone:
Reception: 011-23664145
Email:
daca@trai.gov.in
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is TRAI full form?
TRAI stands for the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. It is a statutory body established in 1997 to regulate the telecom and broadcasting sectors in India.
What is the work of TRAI?
TRAI regulates telecom and broadcasting for transparency, fair competition, and consumer protection. It monitors tariffs, addresses grievances, sets quality standards, and advises on policy.
Can TRAI block my number?
TRAI doesn’t block numbers directly but gives guidelines for blocking in cases like non-payment, security issues, or rule violations. Customers can ask their operator to block numbers too.
What are the new rules of TRAI?
TRAI’s new rules improve telecom services by extending SIM card validity, setting a ₹20 recharge guideline, and offering consumer-friendly initiatives.
What is the benefit of TRAI?
TRAI benefits consumers and industry by ensuring affordable services, protecting rights, promoting competition, maintaining transparency, and encouraging growth, making it crucial for India’s communication.
