Reliance Jio has asked telecom regulator TRAI to come up with a website that will allow users to compare tariff packs, promotions, data offers, bundle offers, etc, offered by telcos in the country. It says that such a portal would make it easier for consumers to differentiate between tariff packs offered by several telcos. Jio was responding to TRAI’s paper which looked at redefining the definition of a promo offer by looking at various features that constitute a promotional offer, and how these offers can be ‘predatory’ and ‘discriminatory’, and ways to curb ‘anti-competitive’ pricing. The consultation comes a time when telcos including Airtel, Idea and Vodafone are fighting Jio in court, alleging that its free data and voice offers are ‘predatory in nature’. The Mukesh Ambani-led telco also pointed out that there is a lack of transparency and information disclosure regarding certain plans which affects how consumers choose their tariff packs. To tackle this, Jio recommended TRAI to develop “a web based price tool or price calculator which can perform calculations based on preferred consumption volumes, circle and rank subscription packages.” Jio has also blamed its rival operators for creating confusion among users by offer tailored or customized tariff packs. It also added that these telcos are gaming the current tariff regulations system and taking “undue advantage of customers”. “These service providers offer special tariff plans to selective customers, many offers are made under the garb of usage and retention. There are special plans made for MNP (new) customers…the offers are…
