TRAI probes Vi after Jio, Airtel allege porting violations
Reliance Jio and Airtel have jointly complained to TRAI that Vodafone Idea used unfair tactics to lure their customers through number portability
The telecom sector is heated up over tariffs once again. Reliance Jio and Airtel have jointly filed a direct complaint against Vodafone Idea, or Vi, with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Following the complaint from the two companies, TRAI has begun investigating the allegations against Vi.
Jio and Airtel allege that Vi was improperly bringing customers of other companies onto its network through Mobile Number Portability (MNP). In their complaint to TRAI, the two companies cited specific methods, including making misleading calls to customers, blocking or restricting SMS messages related to the Unique Porting Code (UPC) required for porting, and luring customers shifting from other networks to Vi with cheap postpaid plans. Jio and Airtel allege that these methods were used to bring their customers onto Vi's network.
The complaint particularly concerns cheap postpaid plans. Jio and Airtel say Vi was advertising low-priced plans to lure customers who wanted to switch to Vi through MNP. Competition among telecom companies to attract customers is already intense, and adding new customers through MNP is considered important for companies.
A TRAI official said the entire matter is under investigation. According to the official, whenever a case comes before the regulator, it is necessary to investigate it, and all parties involved are called to present their side. This means TRAI has not yet found Vi guilty, but the allegations are being investigated.
Vi has completely denied the allegations made by Airtel and Jio. The company claims it operates in accordance with existing laws and regulations and has not violated any rules. Vi will now have to present its case before TRAI and respond to the allegations in the complaint.
The matter is not limited to these three telecom companies alone. Mobile number portability allows customers to switch networks without changing their number. If any company is found to have misled customers or interfered with the porting process, it could directly affect the rights of millions of mobile users and competition in the telecom market.
