COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Question No - 970
:
Answered Date : 15.11.2010
Subject : BALANCED BASED TARIFF SCHEME

 

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-


(a) whether the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched any scheme named as Balanced Based Tariff Scheme in the country; 

(b) if so, the details thereof; 

(c) whether the tariff rates for pre-paid mobile subscribers have increased by the implementation of the said scheme, 

(d) if so, the details thereof; 

(e) whether any representations have been received by the Government to lower the tariff rates for pre-paid mobile subscribers in the country; 

(f) if so, the details thereof; and 

(g) the action taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI SACHIN PILOT) 

(a) Yes, Madam. BSNL had earlier introduced a scheme called `Balance Based Tariff in the country under 2G prepaid mobile services and revised the same later. The scheme has been discontinued with effect from 0109.2010. However, for existing customers who have already enrolled in the scheme, the scheme has been reintroduced for a period of six months with effect from 05.10.2010. 

(b) Under the Balance Based Tariff` scheme, the customer is allowed reduced call charges if the account balance of his mobile connection reaches certain limit as mentioned below:- 
Account	Balance more than	Local On-net	Local Off-net	STD (On-net/Off-net)
Rs.1OOO Rs.0.40/Min Rs.0.60/Min Rs.0.80/Min
Rs.2500 Rs.0.30/Min Rs.0,50/Min Rs.0.70/Min
Rs.5000 Rs.0.20/Min Rs.0,40/Min Rs.0.60/Min

(c) No, Madam. 

(d) Does not arise in view of (c ) above. 

(e) Regulation of Tariff has been mandated to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) vide the TRAI Act of 1997. TRAI has not received any specific representation in the recent past to lower the tariff rates for pre-paid mobile subscribers. 

(f) & (g) Do not arise in view of (e) above.