Mobile subscribers will be able to activate or deactivate Internet service on their phones by calling or sending an SMS to the new toll-free number 1925 from next month.
The new Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) directive follows a large number of complaints from customers that mobile operators were keeping the process of deactivation very complex to earn extra revenue.
Friday's directive mandates telecom operators to provide toll free number “1925” from September 1 to activate or deactivate mobile Internet service either by calling the number and following instruction or by sending an SMS.
Customers can send SMS to 1925 by writing “START” to activate and “STOP” to deactivate the service. Telecom operators will have to immediately reply to the customer about the service status. The new amendment issued in the Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations directs telecom operators not to charge subscribers for usage beyond subscribed limit without their explicit consent.
“No service provider shall activate or deactivate the data service on the Cellular Mobile Telephone connection of a consumer without his consent,” Trai has said.
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