The Hindu : Unfair trade seen in cell-phone offers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 19, 2003

Other States

Other States - New Delhi

Unfair trade seen in cell-phone offers

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI FEB. 18. Cell-phone wars are far from over. And though the Wireless Local Loop (WLL) mobiles might seem to be a "dream come true'' for subscribers, consumer groups charge that the two newest entrants -- Reliance India and Tata Indicom -- are dealing with unfair trade practices.

The Consumer Coordination Council (CCC) claims that WLL mobile advertisements require consumers to buy overpriced handsets exclusively from them or their own vendors, which was a clear case of unfair trade practice as defined by the Consumer Protection Act 1986. It has, therefore, urged the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to intervene to protect consumer interests.

``The schemes provided by both the mobile-providers should be made transparent and easy to understand for consumers,'' stated director, CCC, S. Krishnan.

The companies cannot claim "lower rates'', as WLL mobile operators get at least Rs. 2,000 as premium from the sale of hand-sets, he added.

Under the provisions provided in the Consumer Act, no consumer can be forced to buy a product from a particular seller under duress. No seller can have a monopoly on a particular product, according to consumer activists.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States

Stories in this Section

A project for safe school buses

Unfair trade seen in cell-phone offers

Sleeker, efficient DTC making profits

Money first, service later

DERC chief contradicts Ministers' remarks

BJP unleashing sleaze campaign: Cong.