Raghav Chadha Demands Data Rollover, Seeks Consumer-Friendly Telecom Reforms

New Delhi: Raghav Chadha has raised strong concerns over telecom practices in India, demanding major reforms to protect consumer rights and ensure fair billing.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, the AAP leader argued that mobile data should be treated as the “digital property” of users and should not expire if already paid for.

Key Issues Raised

Chadha highlighted several common problems faced by mobile users:

• Unused data expires daily, even if fully paid for
• 28-day recharge cycle forces users to recharge 13 times a year
• Incoming calls and SMS stop after plan expiry, affecting OTPs and emergencies

Major Proposals

To address these issues, Chadha suggested:

• Data Rollover: Unused daily data should be carried forward instead of expiring at midnight
• Data Transfer: Users should be allowed to share unused data with family or friends
• Refund or Discount: Consumers who use less data should get adjustments in future recharges
• Monthly Billing Fix: Recharge cycles should match the calendar month
• Incoming Services: Calls and SMS should continue even after plan expiry for essential communication

Focus on Consumer Rights

Chadha stressed that telecom users should get full value for their money. He said that if a person has paid for data, it should remain available until used, instead of disappearing.

Digital India Concern

He also linked the issue to India’s growing digital ecosystem, stating that reliable and fair internet access is essential for services like banking, communication, and emergency needs.

The proposals have sparked discussion around whether telecom companies should revise their policies to make services more consumer-friendly.

Further response from regulators like the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is now awaited.