ictQATAR proposes telecommunications billing guidelines to protect consumers

ictQATAR's proposal sets minimum billing standards for service providers so customers receive their bills in a timely manner and in an easily understood and accessible format.

ictQATAR encourages interested parties to submit comments regarding any aspect of the proposed consumer billing guidelines by 25 September, 2008. ictQATAR will review all comments. Once guidelines are finalized, service providers will have 90 days to comply.

The purpose of ictQATAR's proposal is to help business and individual consumers avoid paying for services they didn't order and reduce billing mistakes.

Also included in the proposed guidelines are requirements for:
- improving accessibility of billing information for the disabled
- electronic access to billing information for everyone.
- Prior notification to customers before service can be disconnected
- A speedy resolution of disputes (within 30 days) with no payment required for disputed charges during this 30- day period

ictQATAR's proposed billing guidelines are intended to serve as broad principles to allow the greatest flexibility for service providers to meet minimum requirements in a manner that best suits their needs and those of their customers. ictQATAR encourages service providers to build upon the proposed guidelines, using billing as a tool for creating a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Interested parties can submit their comments by preparing their own document or by filling in the comment submission form which can be found at our website www.ictQATAR.qa.