Brushing off the criticism, the TRAI chief sought to allay industry's fears on overregulation and jurisdiction, saying people should not presume the outcome or "cry foul" at this stage when the consultation has just about started.
He hoped the consultation paper would create much-needed awareness among telecom consumers about the concept of data protection and ownership, and admitted that value of data is "hugely underestimated" at present.
In an interview to PTI, Sharma said: "I am not raising any undue or illegitimate question. We are raising the right questions about protection of consumer interest and no one should have any problem with that...it is a part of mandate given by law to TRAI, to protect the interest of consumers."
When asked about industry's concerns on overregulation by TRAI, Sharma pointed out that only a consultation paper has been released at this point.
"But to cry foul at this stage that we are overreaching, is not correct," he said.
Sharma said norms will have to be strengthened as data takes centrestage.
Social Plugin