TRAI has taken several initiatives to curb the problem of Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC). However, from the analysis of complaints received on regular basis and feedback from various sources, it is observed that problem of Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) still exist. Need was felt to identify the issues and make necessary changes to address the issues.

Some of the key problems identified in this regard are:
• Customers are receiving unsolicited communications despite registering the preference for not to receive such communications, choices for customers to register for preferences are very broad and limited, new types of unsolicited calls like calls from auto-diallers, robo-calls and silent calls which a customer may find irritating.
• It also takes long time to take action against the UCC complaints.
• Lakhs of SMS headers have been taken by different content providers for transactional message purposes. Companies, by any means, take consent of the customer and start sending messages on regular basis. Such consents are used in perpetuity without any time limit. No robust mechanism to keep the record of consent so that it is non-repudiable and easily accessible.
• Number of intermediaries between registered telemarketers and content providers who are either not registered or not entered into the agreement with access provider. No process for content authentication by customer.

In view of the above, regulatory framework for UCC is required to be reviewed for appropriate changes in the framework or for introducing new entities or processes required, if any. Accordingly, TRAI has issued this consultation paper to have wider consultation with all the stakeholders. This consultation paper deliberates following issues:
• Analyses of present preference registration system and explores ways and means to make system more effective and efficient. Explores options to provide more choices to the customer for preferences.
• Registration System for related entities. It explores the possibility of registration of new entities like Content Providers, Aggrgators and Intermediaries.
• Suggests introducing new entities for Header Assignments, consent recording etc.
• Issues related to UCC Complaint handling and suggests to make system more efficient e.g. by reducing time-line.
• Suggests alternative options to make system more effective e.g. by enhanced functionality of Signature Solution, introducing honey pots, Scrubbing as a Service etc.

Full text of the consultation paper can be viewed here.

Last date for submission of comments on the consultation paper 16th November, 2017.