Port Blair, Feb 9: TRAI Regional Office Kolkata today conducted a Consumer Outreach Programme (CoP) for the telecom and broadcasting service consumers of the Ferrargunj and adjoining area in South Andaman district of A&N Islands at Ferrargunj Panchayat Community Hall. Shri Utpal Sharma Special Secretary (IT), A&N Administration, graced the occasion as Chief Guest., Mr. D. Bhaskar Rao, Dy Director General (DDG) of DoT Port Blair graced the program as Guest of Honour, and distinguished dignitaries of different fields were present in the event.
The consumer Outreach Program has been organized to educate customers regarding various initiatives taken by TRAI for safeguarding interest of the consumers and various regulatory provisions available for consumer protections. The Program was attended by different section of the local residents of Ferrargunj and adjoining area. It was also attended by officers of Andaman and Nicobar Administration and representatives of all Telecom Service Providers including BSNL and various Consumer Advocacy Groups. Shri Ashim Dutta, Jt. Advisor TRAI Kolkata, welcomed all the participants.
In his address he underlined that today’s program was in furtherance to various initiatives taken by TRAI to generate awareness among telecom consumers about various regulatory provisions made available by TRAI for safeguarding consumer interests. He highlighted various technical developments taking place in communication arena and emphasized on the need for public participation in the process. Shri Sharma, as chief guest delivered the keynote address and shared his thoughts about the role of Information and Telecommunication sector in the development of A&N Islands.
Mr Rao, DDG, DoT briefed the audience about various USO-funded projects such as undersea Optical fiber cable connectivity to Chennai, 4G saturation project, Bharatnet being undertaken by the Government of India for improving Telecom Network of A&N Islands.
Mr. Nilay Dutta, Senior Research Officer of TRAI Regional Office, delivered a presentation showing various provisions under consumer protection regulation under TRAI and explained about the complaint redressal mechanism available to the customers for lodging and resolving any complaint related to service. He also discussed about tower frauds taking place and underlined that TRAI, in no case is associated with activities related to acquisition of site for erection of Tower.
Shri. Ranga Raj, Inspector, Cybercrime Unit, A&N Islands Police, delivered a presentation before the audience on prevalent instances of cyber related frauds and various precautions to be adopted by users to safeguard against these cybercrimes. A presentation on the safety of human health from electromagnetic radiations of the cellular towers was then delivered by DoT. The program was followed up with interactions with consumers regarding their issues with the service and sharing their experiences.