Farmers Movement Archive

Telcos spar over port-out charge by Jio

Reliance Jio has sought action against rivals Airtel and Vi, alleging that the two telcos were encouraging the public to migrate from Jio to show support for farmers by spreading ‘frivolous rumours’. In its letter dated December 10 to regulator TRAI, Jio had alleged that the two companies were either directly or indirectly involved in “supporting and furthering the insinuations and false and frivolous rumours of Reliance being an undue beneficiary of the farm bills”. The company added that this had resulted in its receiving a “large number of port out” requests from customers citing “this as the sole reason for porting out of Jio without having any complaints or other issues related to Jio services”. Airtel, in its reply to TRAI, refuted Jio’s allegations and said it had operated in the industry for 25 years. “During this period, we have competed hard... and striven to serve our customers with excellence. At the same time, we take great pride in treating our competitors and partners with respect.” “The current complaint deserves to be dismissed and thrown out with the contempt that it deserves. It is in poor taste and is scurrilous, to say the least,” it added. Vi, in a statement, termed Jio’s charge as ‘baseless’ and said it was intended to “malign our reputation.” “We strongly refute such irresponsible comments on us,” the telco added.

The Hindu

2020-12-15

NEW DELHI