Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha has raised concerns in Parliament over the expiry of unused daily mobile data, calling the current telecom practice unfair to consumers across India.During his address, Chadha highlighted how millions of users pay for fixed daily data limits, yet any unused portion is automatically forfeited at midnight. He compared the system to a petrol pump reclaiming unused fuel, arguing that such a model would be unacceptable in any other sector.
Describing internet access as “digital oxygen,” Chadha urged telecom regulators and operators to rethink how mobile data is treated. He stressed that data should not be seen as a perishable commodity when consumers have already paid for it. To address the issue, Chadha proposed three key reforms. He suggested allowing unused data to roll over to the next day, enabling users to fully utilize what they purchase. He also recommended introducing a system where leftover data could be converted into bill credits or discounts on future recharges, ensuring users pay only for what they actually use.
Additionally, Chadha proposed recognizing unused data as a digital asset, which could be transferred between users. This, he said, would provide greater flexibility and establish data as a form of personal property. Emphasizing consumer rights, Chadha stated that if individuals pay for a service, they should retain full ownership of it, calling for reforms to make telecom policies more consumer-friendly.
