TRAI has directed the operators to take explicit consent from users who have subscribed value added services (VAS) such as call ring back tone and hello tunes through writing, in order to prevent accidental activation of such services.

TRAI is of the view that there could be chances of accidental activation of VAS through the pressing of a key to express consent method currently employed by most operators. Operators will now have to convey to the customer in writing or through SMS or FAX or e-mail, all the details of the offer of a value added service before activating the same.

According to TRAI, the accidental activation of such VAS through Out-Bound- Dialer (OBD) call could happen without understanding the implications of such offer, leading to unintended subscription to chargeable VAS.

TRAI feels the system of pressing a button to get a service activated is not a sound method as children at home, could have unintentionally pressed a particular key. There may also be possibilities that a customer may not have listened to the announcements fully or did not understand the offer and pressed a particular key unintentionally, thereby activating the service.

for details pl. visit http://www.trai.gov.in/whatnew.asp