Citing lower quality, TRAI blocks, Vodafone-Idea, Airtel premium plans.
TRAI said that consumers who don’t opt for faster data speeds & services may see the lower quality of services, and decided to block the new schemes of Airtel, Vodafone-Idea.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday, blocked Vodafone Idea’s RedX premium, and Bharti Airtel’s Platinum plans, which offers priority services and faster data speeds. TRAI said that such schemes could lower the quality services for consumers, who haven’t opted for them. TRAI’s official said that besides the impact on quality, the watchdog is also examining the offers that breach the net neutrality rules of India. The official said,” The telcos appear to be reserving a lane on a public data highway that uses public resources (spectrum) for the exclusive use of rich customers.” However, nothing of the sort has been highlighted in the letters sent to the two telcos giants.
TRAI asked Vodafone Idea and Airtel to withhold plans:
TRAI asked Airtel and Vodafone Idea, in identical letters dated July 11, to withhold, with immediate effect, until further orders, the two plans to facilitate a detailed examination of both schemes.
Vodafone Idea surprised by TRAI’s speedy decision:
The decision to block the plans did not go down well for Vodafone Idea, as one of the senior officials of the company, revealed that the company was surprised and highlighted that the decision taken by TRAI, over the weekend was too quick & fast, and did not give Telco time to respond. Another Vodafone Idea official said,” it’s shocking to receive a letter over the weekend, asking us to black or RedX plan without any opportunity to respond on an important matter such as tariff, especially as there is no violation of tariff regulation on this plan.” He further went on to reveal that the RedX plan has been floated to the consumers for eight months and many customers have already enrolled for it.
Telcos are finding their legal options:
Airtel refrained from commenting on the directive and said its Platinum offer is an effort to raise the bar in terms of service and responsiveness. Telcos are figuring out their legal options regarding the fresh directives sent by the TRAI.
