NEW Delhi: Following requests from stakeholders, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has extended till 10 August the date for receiving comments on its paper on “Standards of Quality of Service for Mobile Data Services Regulations 2012”.

Citing the importance of the issue as a reason for the extension, Trai said the date for counter comments would be 17 August. Earlier, the last date was 25 July for comments and 1 August for counter comments.

The draft regulations had been drawn up in the absence of any quality of service for mobile data services at a time when service providers are rolling out 3G services and these services are presently available in all the service areas.

With the roll out of 3G and Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) services, the growth rate in cellular mobile telephone service is poised for higher growth, compared to wire line internet users.

Trai feels it is necessary to benchmark and monitor the quality of service offered by the service providers of mobile data services with various options open to the implementing agencies so that the interests of consumers are protected.

Trai has, therefore, decided to benchmark the quality of service parameters for mobile data services, so that the interests of consumers are protected. Accordingly, the draft regulations have been prepared.