Operators must provide standard mobile data services to consumers: TRAI

TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has released a statement in India that states that all operators in India must follow minimum quality benchmark for mobile Internet service.

TRAI wants to set benchmarks and monitor each service provider and audit from time to time to maintain quality of service offered by companies.

TRAI statement read, "It is necessary to benchmark and monitor the quality of service offered by the service providers of mobile data services with various options open to the implementing agencies so that the interests of consumers are protected".

TRAI said in order to protect the interests of consumers, mobile phone companies who are rolling out 3G and 4G high-speed data access services must follow 9 parameters benchmarks that are created.

Benchmarks includes:

• Service activation within 3 hours with a 95% success rate.
• Drop rate or the network's inability to upload or download, to be less than 2%.
• Service provider must measure and share minimum download speed with TRAI.

TELCOS would collect and maintain records and submit them to TRAI within 60 days of notification of these new rules.

TRAI has sought written comments from stakeholders by July 25 and counter comments by Aug 1.

Currently India has no "quality of standards" for mobile data services.