Telecom firms may alter lifetime offers

Even as lifetime tariff offers promise customers one-time service charge throughout life, telecom operators have sought the permission of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to change tariffs under the schemes in accordance with revisions in regulatory terms and conditions.

Trai had sought responses from them as to what would happen to the plans if the traffic patterns and interconnect usage charge (IUC) regime changes substantially. Operators have univocally sought review of the tariffs under a new IUC regime.

An official release issued by Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said: "The tariff plans that have been introduced by the operators have been designed/structured keeping in view the prevalent licensing and regulatory regime, including the prevalent IUC regime. Any substantial change in the regime may necessitate a change in the tariff package offered by the service providers."

CDMA operators' association AUSPI said, "Any change in the IUC regime and/or licensing conditions will necessitate corresponding recalibration in the pricing to reflect the changed cost scenario."