No More Marketing Calls! Government Implements New Rules Offering Relief to Telecom Subscribers

The rise in spam calls has become a major issue for telecom users across India. These unsolicited calls often revolve around marketing, but they also serve as a vehicle for fraudulent schemes. While ignoring such calls is an option, it can result in missing important and legitimate communications. In a significant shift, the government has introduced new regulations to protect subscribers from unwanted marketing calls.

Automatic Opt-Out for Subscribers

Previously, users of major telecom providers like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) had to actively request to opt out of marketing calls. However, under the new guidelines, subscribers will now be automatically opted out. Those who wish to receive marketing calls will need to take the initiative to opt in with their telecom operators.

Union Telecom Minister Joytiraditya Scindia elaborated on this change during an interview, stating, “The responsibility should lie with the telecom operator, not the subscriber.” This move aims to alleviate the burden on users who have been inundated with spam calls and scams, offering them a much-needed respite.

TRAI's Role and Subscriber Protection

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has taken a proactive stance in modifying this rule. Under the new regulation, telecom operators will be required to confirm with subscribers whether they wish to receive marketing calls. This initiative is expected to greatly enhance user experience, reducing the number of unsolicited calls that plague Indian mobile users.

BSNL’s Focus on Success and 4G Rollout

In a related update, Minister Scindia also addressed BSNL's ambitions during the Public Affairs Forum of India. He highlighted the competitive landscape of the telecom industry, noting that India currently has four major players: Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring BSNL’s growth and viability in the market.

Regarding BSNL's 4G rollout, Scindia stated that the immediate goal is to establish 100,000 4G sites by mid-June next year. This move is designed to enhance the bandwidth for BSNL's 8 percent market share. Although the demand for 4G is increasing, particularly as 2G and 3G users are transitioning, he noted that approximately 98 percent of districts in India already have access to 4G coverage.

Conclusion

The government's new regulations aimed at curbing marketing calls are a significant step toward enhancing the telecom experience for users in India. With an automatic opt-out mechanism now in place, subscribers can enjoy greater peace of mind, knowing they won’t be bombarded with unwanted calls. Furthermore, BSNL's focus on expanding its 4G infrastructure signals a positive shift in the telecom landscape, promoting competitive growth among major players.