Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had notified the Registration of Consumer Organisations Regulations, 2013 (1 of 2013) [hereinafter referred to as the “principal regulations”] on 21st February 2013.

Presently, the Authority, under the principal regulations are registering consumer organisations state-wise who can assist Authority by performing the roles mentioned in the regulations.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, emerging technologies like 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) etc. hold immense potential for the betterment of the lives of consumers. The use cases of these technologies can be helpful for different sections of society.  AI and IoT offer communities various opportunities to access real-time market information, optimise resource management, and enhance crop yields. AI-powered weather forecasts coupled with IoT sensor aids may help farmers to take informed agricultural decisions.

The 5G-enabled high-speed connectivity empowers businesses and startups with AI-driven analytics to improve production, supply chains, and customer experiences, fostering global competition. Online education and remote healthcare through 5G enhanced services in remote areas, while IoT-driven disaster prediction and response systems boost environmental sustainability and disaster resilience for vulnerable communities. These technologies, when harnessed effectively, can drive inclusive growth, enhance accessibility, and bridge socio-economic gaps.

Consumer organisations can play a supporting role in raising awareness about the benefits accrued out of these emerging technologies, particularly to the marginalised communities, people in rural areas for bridging the digital divide. For conducting theme-based events, these organisations can assist TRAI explaining the use cases of these technologies, educate consumers of different sections such as women, farmers, fisheries, students etc. about their potential benefits, and also propagate cyber hygiene and make consumers aware of data privacy.

The Authority felt a need to register national level consumer organisations, having presence in multiple states/ UTs having capability and experience in campaigning and conducting theme-based events by developing awareness material can provide an interface between consumers and Authority. The proposed amendment would enable Authority to register capable consumer organisations having wider reach to work in more than five states/ UTs under national level registration. It simplifies the registration process for such consumer organisations.

The draft regulation is accessible on TRAI website www.trai.gov.in and shall be open for comments of the stakeholders up to 4th October 2023. In case of any clarifications, Shri Anand Kumar Singh, Advisor (CA&IT), TRAI may be contacted at Telephone: 011-23210990 or email ID: advisorit@trai.gov.in.