Mobile operators could be set to challenge the order by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India that mandates a penalty of Rs 1 per dropped call. The telecom regulator had said the penalty will be limited to three calls per day per consumer and will be imposed from next year. Mobile companies hope to convince TRAI that it’s a palliative solution at best. The companies also said that the order skips over the difficulties faced in the rollout of telecom infrastructure.

TRAI had said that the mandated regime would provide a semblance of relief to consumers and spur the service providers to improve the quality of service. A review would be undertaken after six months, if necessary. Lobby groups of mobile operators had expressed their disappointment with the measure, saying that the proposed solution will give birth to ambiguities.

The new rules stipulate that an operator will have to send a message to the customer within four hours of a dropped call with details of the amount credited, while post-paid customers will receive details of the credit in their bill.