The current provision of Telecommunication Tariff (46th Amendment) Order, 2008 mandates the Telecom service providers to provide hard copy of bill to its post paid subscribers of mobile and landline service free of cost. However, if any customer opts for receipt of the bill through e-mail, instead of hard copy, the service provider can supply the same after obtaining explicit consent from the subscribers.

TRAI has received representations from the Telecom Service Providers and their associations, MPs and MLAs to review extant provisions of sending printed bills to post paid users of mobile and landline services amid changing mobile usage relating to cutting of trees for paper used in printing phone bills.

However, since consumers form an important segment of stakeholders on this issue, it has therefore, been decided by the Authority to hold a public consultation to have views of all the stakeholders, in the matter so that a holistic approach could be adopted to address this important issue. For TRAI, consumer’s interest remain an issue of prime importance and remains committed to safeguard their interest.

A copy of consultation paper is attached herewith for your kind perusal with a request to offer your valuable feedback on the issue.