New Delhi: Telecom regulator TRAI has introduced a new mobile app DND (Do Not Disturb), which is available to download from Google Play Store and the Mobile Seva App Store to manage unwanted commercial calls and messages. The app will soon be available for iOS users as well.
As per current practice, the consumers complain UCC messages and calls through 1909 (toll-free number). However, the new app will enable an easier procedure for filing complaints and tracking them too. TRAI mentioned in a report that there was a need to put in place a complaint mechanism, which would be easy to use for consumers. It was on these lines that the new app was developed.
TRAI issued, “The Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2010’ in December 2010 with the objective to provide an effective mechanism for curbing Unsolicited Commercial Communications. The regulations have been framed keeping in view the interest of the customers and telemarketers while ensuring effective implementation.”
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In the meantime, TRAI has released a test for Delhi-NCR, where it found that most of the telecom operators have failed to meet call drop standards. TRAI will also publish the result of the test drives that are being conducted. The recent test drives were conducted in Delhi-NCR between May 3 and May 6.
Notably, TRAI may not have the first-mover’s advantage with this gesture. Apps such as Truecaller have gained immense popularity in the past year or so. This app allows blocking a number that you get unwanted calls from. It also displays the name of the caller to allow an individual an option to reject or ignore a call without having to receive it.
However, TRAI’s new app allows the consumers an option to register a complaint with the regulator against an unwanted caller. However, the effectiveness of TRAI’s earlier procedure of receiving complaints through 1909 is not fully proven.
