Reliance Jio cries cartelisation by Airtel, Vodafone and Idea; regulator orders probe

Reliance Jio has filed a complaint, accusing Airtel, Vodafone and Idea of lobbying against it.

A complaint has also been registered against the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI)

As per reports, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered a detailed probe against Airtel, Vodafone, Idea Cellular and COAI in this matter and will investigate whether unfair business practices were done.

Sources told ET the CCI would also examine COAI’s conduct.

The probe by the Director General (DG) has been ordered for allegedly trying to restrict the entry of Reliance Jio, the official added.

Director General (DG), which is the investigation arm of the CCI, will look into the matter.

An Airtel spokesperson told ET, "We have not received any such communication from the CCI and would, therefore, not be able to comment. We have already stated that we have always responded with alacrity and provided a staggering quantum of PoIs (Point of Interconnections) to Reliance Jio in record time."

"Though we have not seen the order as it has not been published yet, we are disappointed at the apparent news (if confirmed), that the CCI has decided to go forward with an investigation into the complaint filed by Reliance Jio," COAI Director General Rajan Mathews told ET.

Also, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio has alleged the incumbent telecom players that they do not provide sufficient network connectivity.

Sources told ET the watchdog has concluded that dominant telecom players allegedly colluded and used the platform of COAI to deny point of interconnection to Reliance Jio.