The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced it will review formal complaints filed by Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio against Vodafone Idea. The complaints allege that Vodafone Idea offered special tariff benefits to customers who port their mobile numbers from rival networks, a practice the complainants argue violates regulatory guidelines.
TRAI Chairman AK Lahoti confirmed on September 14 that the regulator received representations from the telecom operators and will examine the matter before deciding on further action. The regulator has not yet made any finding of wrongdoing against Vodafone Idea.
What Airtel and Jio Have Alleged
The core of the dispute centers on tariff benefits that were allegedly promoted exclusively for customers moving their numbers from Airtel or Jio to Vodafone Idea. Airtel and Jio contend that such offers incentivize switching and are not permitted under current rules. One complaint, sent to TRAI on September 2, explicitly asked the regulator to direct Vodafone Idea to cease promotional communications tied to these offers and to submit a compliance report confirming that all related advertisements, campaigns, and sales practices have been withdrawn.
The issue revolves around Mobile Number Portability (MNP), which allows users to change operators while keeping their existing numbers, making it easier for operators to target customers already on a rival network. TRAI has previously taken a stance against tariff benefits offered exclusively to porting-in customers, stating in an earlier order that such pricing could amount to discriminatory tariff treatment under Clause 10 of the Telecommunication Tariff Order, 1999.
Vodafone Idea Responds
Vodafone Idea has denied any violation of rules. A company spokesperson said, “The company believes in fair competition and the strength of its products and the value delivered to customers, and that it conducts its business in compliance with the law.”
TRAI did not specify what action it may take next. Lahoti also did not indicate whether the regulator would seek additional information from Vodafone Idea or convene discussions with the three operators. The matter remains at the complaint and review stage, with no final determination made.
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