TRAI to audit metering, billing system of telcos

TRAI invites proposals from eligible audit agencies/ certification bodies for empanelment in the panel of auditors to certify the metering and billing system of service providers in accordance with the Quality of Service (Code of Practice for Metering and Billing Accuracy) Regulation, 2006, it said in a statement.

In 2006, TRAI had notified a panel of seven auditors for metering and billing system of service providers. This panel was enlarged by inducting another seven auditors in May 2007.

As of now, there are 13 auditors in the panel notified by TRAI, whose validity is up to September 30, 2010, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India said.

With new telecom firms starting operations, the Authority has not extended the term of the current panel and intends to set up a fresh panel.

TRAI has received many billing-related complaints from consumers, pertaining mainly to overcharging or wrong billing. To bring uniformity and transparency in procedures for accurate measurement and reliability of billing, TRAI had issued the regulation on March 21, 2006.

TRAI said the agency should have accreditation from the Quality Council of India/National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies or from the International Accreditation Forum.