The telecom tribunal has directed sector regulator to file its decision on free tariff plans of Reliance Jio by Thursday, after Trai said that it had taken a decision on the matter.
The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) was hearing petitions of Idea Cellular and Bharti Airtel for stopping Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd from continuing free services till March 31.The matter will be heard next on February 6.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had sought the Attorney General’s opinion on billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio’s free voice and data offering till March that rivals have termed “predatory”.
Sources say that the AG, Mukul Rohatgi, has told Trai that Reliance Jio’s tariff plans do not violate any existing regulation or order issued by the regulator and therefore Trai should not intervene in the matter.
“AG has favoured non-intervention of Trai in Reliance Jio’s tariff case,” people familiar with the matter said.
Trai had earlier asked Reliance Jio to clarify as to “why the offer of free data under the promotional offer should not be treated as predatory” and also explain why its tariffs were not in violation of existing regulatory guidelines.
Bharti Airtel, had moved TDSAT in December against Trai where it accused Trai of acting as a “mute spectator” and killing competition in the telecom sector by allowing Reliance Jio to offer free services. Rival telcos say these services are predatory in nature.
On January 18, Idea Cellular followed Bharti Airtel and filed a petition in the appellate telecom tribunal against the telecom regulator.
The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) was hearing petitions of Idea Cellular and Bharti Airtel for stopping Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd from continuing free services till March 31.The matter will be heard next on February 6.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had sought the Attorney General’s opinion on billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio’s free voice and data offering till March that rivals have termed “predatory”.
Sources say that the AG, Mukul Rohatgi, has told Trai that Reliance Jio’s tariff plans do not violate any existing regulation or order issued by the regulator and therefore Trai should not intervene in the matter.
“AG has favoured non-intervention of Trai in Reliance Jio’s tariff case,” people familiar with the matter said.
Trai had earlier asked Reliance Jio to clarify as to “why the offer of free data under the promotional offer should not be treated as predatory” and also explain why its tariffs were not in violation of existing regulatory guidelines.
Bharti Airtel, had moved TDSAT in December against Trai where it accused Trai of acting as a “mute spectator” and killing competition in the telecom sector by allowing Reliance Jio to offer free services. Rival telcos say these services are predatory in nature.
On January 18, Idea Cellular followed Bharti Airtel and filed a petition in the appellate telecom tribunal against the telecom regulator.
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