PTA devises regulations 2008
ISLAMABAD (March 30 2008): Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is devising regulations to facilitate and protect the telecom users from mishandling of their personal record and information, it was learnt. Sources said that draft Consumers Protection Regulations 2008 is aimed at addressing a spectrum of problems concerning the telecom consumers that would ultimately lead to quality of services in the country.
Through the regulations consumers would be able to know, in advance, about any price changes, terms and conditions including service contracts. They would also be provided accurate and detailed bills for post-paid packages, sources added.
It will also ensure clear and easy-to-understand descriptions of the services round the clock in fair, prompt and courteous manner. Furthermore, as per the regulations all operators would be asked to enter into service contract and implement code of commercial practices and service contract in its true letter and spirit as approved by the authority, it was learnt.
Sources added that the operators would make available the consumers exact costs for all services prior to purchase, clearly expressed in local currency. Moreover, to provide service in transparent and non-discriminatory form operators would ensure that people were being served as per their rollout plan under the terms and conditions of the license of each operator.
The regulations 2008, is aimed at maintaining quality of licensed telecommunication services in accordance with the parameter set out in the license and to ensure that the effective tariff shall be in accordance with the published/advertised rates and the new packages will not be pre-activated without the consent of each consumer.
Under the regulations, operators would ensure that the personal details of the consumers are kept confidential and they would give due notice to the consumer, at least once in writing, on the latest available mailing address of the consumers before disconnecting the services in case of non-payment, fraud or any other reason, sources informed.
They said that the operators would be directed to make clear, and not misleading, billing and marketing disclosures, besides establishing appropriate mechanism operational for 24 hours and seven days a week to redress consumers’ complaints.
As per Regulations the operators would be liable to redress all complaints relating to fault/disruption within five working days from the date of registration of such complaints, sources informed.
The Authority may ask any information about any complaint and its solution, settlement and progress made so far and direct the operators to follow its direction in resolving complaints, sources said.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:3/30/2008
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