Telecom Department revises rules for issue/renewal of NOC 

The Department of Telecom (DOT) has announced “Revised terms & conditions for issue/renewal of NOC for sale/rent of International Roaming SIM Cards/Global Calling Cards of Foreign Operators in India” as part of policy reforms in the telecom sector. After debates on TRAI’s Suo-motu Recommendations on Sale/Rent of International Roaming SIM Cards/Global Calling Cards of Foreign Operators in India, the Department of Transportation finalized the new terms and conditions. The updated terms and conditions increase the framework for protecting the interests of Indian citizens travelling overseas while also streamlining the procedures to be consistent with other licenses/registrations.

The updated regulation requires NOC holders to include provisions for giving information about customer service, contact information, an escalation matrix, itemized bills, tariff plans, and services offered, among other things. With the addition of an Appellate Authority in the DOT, provisions have been established to reinforce the billing and consumer grievance redressal mechanisms in order to promote timely settlement of grievances by NOC holders.

Furthermore, the updated policy streamlines the application process/other procedures for NOC holders in accordance with the DOT’s other licenses/registrations, etc., and makes it easier to resolve/manage NOC holders’ difficulties.