Telecom Complaint Letter — TRAI Complaint Format

How to file a TRAI / Operator Appellate Authority complaint

1. 1

   Complain to the operator first — get a docket number

   Call the operator's helpline. By TRAI rules, they must give you a docket / complaint reference number for every complaint. If they refuse, that itself is a TRAI Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations violation.

2. 2

   Wait the resolution time (7 days for QoS issues)

   TRAI QoS regulations give operators 7 days for service issues, longer for billing. Save the docket number, the date, and any SMS reply. If they don't resolve, escalate.

3. 3

   Escalate to the operator's Appellate Authority

   Every operator has a public Appellate Authority email — it's mandatory under TRAI rules. Email the Nyaykar-generated letter with the docket number. They have 30 days to respond.

4. 4

   File a TRAI complaint

   If the operator's Appellate Authority fails you, lodge a complaint at trai.gov.in or call 1963. Include the docket number — TRAI looks for it as proof of operator-first resolution.

5. 5

   Consumer Commission for compensation

   TRAI itself can't award compensation. For monetary relief (refund of overcharged bills + compensation), file at the District Consumer Commission via eDaakhil. Court fee is NIL for claims up to ₹5 lakh.

Frequently asked questions

Is TRAI the right body for my complaint?

Yes for service-level issues — billing disputes, network quality, MNP delays, unsolicited commercial calls (DND), unauthorised value-added services. For monetary relief, escalate to a Consumer Commission after TRAI.

What's the docket number and why does it matter?

Every operator must issue a docket / unique complaint reference for every call you make to them. It's mandated by the TRAI Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations 2012. Without a docket number, TRAI may push your complaint back to the operator.

Can I get compensation for service outage?

TRAI can direct the operator to refund pro-rata charges for the outage period under the TRAI QoS regulations. For 'pain and suffering' / time wasted, you'd file at a District Consumer Commission — there, deficiency in service compensation typically ranges ₹5,000-₹50,000.

MNP failed and my number is dead — what's the urgency?

TRAI's MNP rules say porting must complete within 3 working days for postpaid, 7 for prepaid. If it failed, both operators (donor + recipient) must be named in the complaint. File urgently — losing a number is a deficiency in service worth significant compensation.

Can I complain about unsolicited calls / SMS?

Yes. Activate DND (call 1909 / SMS START 0 to 1909). If calls/SMS continue after DND activation, complain at trai.gov.in or via the DND app. Operators face penalties for each violation.

Operator says 'tower issue' — is that a valid excuse?

Not for billing. If you couldn't use service for X days due to tower issues, you're entitled to a pro-rata refund of your monthly bill for that period. Get the outage duration in writing from the operator and Nyaykar will draft the refund-claim letter.