Mobile Recharge: The rising cost of mobile recharges is a growing concern for consumers across India. Many had hoped for relief from expensive bundled tariff plans, but their expectations may be dashed. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has suggested that telecom companies introduce packs focused solely on calls and SMS, rather than bundled packages. However, telecom companies have rejected this proposal, arguing that the current plans are sufficient to meet customer needs.
Jio: Existing Plans are Affordable
Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator, responded to TRAI’s suggestion by citing a survey indicating that 91% of its users find the existing tariffs to be affordable. Furthermore, 93% of Jio’s customers believe that the market offers a range of options that cater to their specific needs. According to Jio, the current bundled plans provide adequate choices for users.
Airtel: Bundled Packs Are Simple and User-Friendly
Airtel, the second-largest telecom operator in India, echoed similar sentiments. The company emphasized that its existing plans are straightforward, easy to understand, and particularly beneficial for elderly customers who prefer all-inclusive packs that cover voice, data, and SMS services. Airtel also assured that these bundled packs have no hidden charges, making them a transparent option for consumers.
Vodafone-Idea: Voice-SMS Packs Could Widen the Digital Divide
Vodafone-Idea (VI), the third-largest private telecom company, warned that introducing separate voice or SMS packs could increase the digital divide among Indian consumers. VI argued that such packs would discourage non-data users from upgrading to digital services, thereby limiting their access to the digital ecosystem. The company believes bundled packs are essential for encouraging wider adoption of digital services.
TRAI’s Argument for Separate Tariff Plans
TRAI, in its consultation paper, had argued that the current market offerings are predominantly bundled packages that include data, voice, SMS, and even OTT services. According to TRAI, these bundled plans do not meet the needs of all subscribers, as not everyone uses all the services included in the package. Despite this, subscribers are still required to pay for the entire bundle, leading TRAI to propose the introduction of separate call/SMS packs. However, telecom companies remain firm in their stance against this suggestion.
