Reliance Jio joins Bharti Airtel and Vodafone-Idea to hike tariffs
20 Nov 2019
A day after Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea Ltd announced a hike in call and data charges from next month, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio on Tuesday said it will increase mobile phone call and data charges in the next few weeks.
Jio said telecom regulator Trai is likely to initiate consultation process for revision in telecom tariffs.
“As per media reports, we understand that Trai is likely to initiate a consultation process for revision of telecom tariffs. Like other operators, we will also work with the government and comply with the regulatory regime to strengthen the industry to benefit Indian consumers and take measures, including appropriate increase in tariffs in next few weeks in a manner that does not adversely impact data consumption or growth in digital adoption and sustains investments,” the company stated in a release.
“While ensuring Jio’s commitment to a sustainable sector, Jio will compete on the basis of quality and service in the marketplace and as a customer-obsessed organisation, we will always provide the best service to all our customers. Jio will always keep the customer at the center of everything and ensure that the customer continues to benefit the most. Jio is committed to helping India to sustain its global leadership as the world’s largest data market,” it added.
Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel on Monday said that they have decided to increase call and data charges from December to stay afloat, after the two telecom majors reported massive losses in the second quarter of the current fiscal.
The two telecom operators have also asked the government to ease the burden arising from the Supreme Court decision that increased the burden of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) – the share of revenue the telcos owe to the government.
The telecom operators are already under deep financial stress, and the pressure to pay up government dues further increases their troubles.
The telcos, through their association, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) which comprises of telecom companies like Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio – have asked for a three-year moratorium for payment of dues besides a reduction in the liabilities and easier payment terms, say reports.