Telecom tribunal refuses stay on Reliance Jio; asks TRAI to re-examine issues

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) did not put any stay on the Reliance Jio's free promotional offer. It has, however, asked TRAI to "re-examine" issues relating to the approval that the operator got in order to continue with the free services. TRAI has two weeks to explain the "outcome and findings of the examination" within two weeks to the tribunal.

It was last week that TDSAT had reserved the order on an interim appeal that sought a stay on Jio's free offer after hearing the sides of TRAI, Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular, and Jio.

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Airtel had appealed for a stay on TRAI's decision that allowed Jio to continue with its freebies, while also seeking a direction for TRAI to produce all the records regarding this approval. Not only this, the interim appeal also sought a restriction on Jio from providing its consumers the zero tariff plan and promotional plans.

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It was in September 2016 that Jio had launched the free services till December, which were later extended till March 31, 2017. This led Airtel and Idea to move the telecom tribunal against TRAI, accusing it of being a "mute spectator".

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TRAI, in its defence, said that Jio's free voice calling and data plan did not violate any regulatory guidelines, and that the 'Happy New Year Offer' which continued the services till March is distinct from its earlier Jio Welcome Offer. Therefore, this should not be treated as an extension of the promotional offer beyond 90 days.

(Image source: Quint)