TRAI amends tariff order, reduces processing fee on top-up vouchers

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has revised the tariff order to bring the maximum processing fee levied on top-up vouchers to 10 per cent of the maximum retail price or Rs3, whichever is less.

TRAI today issued the Telecommunication Tariff (53rd Amendment) Order, which reviews processing fee on talk time top-ups and tariff for premium rate services.

Currently, the ceiling on processing fee is Rs3 in respect of top-up denominations of Rs20 and above and Rs2 for top-up denominations below Rs20.

The TRAI has undertaken a review through a consultation process and has decided to rationalise the structure of the processing fee, in order to provide relief to prepaid subscribers recharging with lower denomination top-up vouchers.

The 51st amendment of the tariff order had specified ceiling tariff for calls made and SMS sent to participate in contests and competitions and voting. However, in view the difficulties in implementing the ceiling tariff and feedback received during the consultation process, TRAI has decided to keep the tariff for such services under forbearance. The 53rd amendment, inter alia, gives effect to this decision of the authority.