Reliance Jio complaints to Trai over Vodafone Idea new tariff plans

Reliance Jio is learnt to have written to the sector regulator Trai complaining that the new tariff structure of Vodafone Idea allegedly restricts entry-level customers to port their mobile number from its network, according to official sources.

Vodafone Idea (VIL) in November raised mobile services and data rates by 18-25 per cent.

Under the new tariff structure, VIL increased the entry level plan with 28 days validity to Rs 99 from Rs 75 but the entry-level plan is not bundled with SMS service.

“Jio has complained to Trai that VIL new tariff restricts people opting for low value plans from porting their mobile number as outgoing SMS facility is not available in the entry level plans of VIL,” the source said.

According to the Jio complaint, VIL is providing SMS service in plans priced at Rs 179 and above.

Email queries sent to Jio and VIL did not elicit any reply.

NGO Telecom Watchdog had also filed a complaint before Trai on the same issue on the day the new tariff of VIL became effective.

“Vodafone Idea has increased the tariff plan across the packages…however, our immediate concern is about their step in which they have moved SMS services to a higher tariff bracket i.e. Rs 179 package, minimum. As you know for porting out SMS service is required. If a consumer wants to port out, he must first pay Rs 179 to get the tariff plan with SMS service,” the NGO said.

It alleged that the move of VIL is to stop the consumers from moving to other telecom networks for better services.

“We are highly surprised to note that such kind action by Vodafone Idea has gone unnoticed so far as Trai has not initiated any action to protect the interest of consumers. In fact, the SMS services should be available in the lowest tariff plan,” Telecom Watchdog said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

We, however, have a request.

As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.

Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.

Digital Editor