In the latest development that could start a new tussle between the regulatory body and telecom operators, the telecom regulator has blocked the premium plans offered by Airtel and Vodafone Idea that provide priority services as well as faster data speeds to customers. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India cited that such schemes might affect the quality of services that have not opted for them.
TRAI has written to both operators and questioned them about their high-end plans. The body also directed them to withhold the specific plan for the interim period. “It (the plans) is in violation of the quality of service norms. It shortchanges the existing customers and it is also not clear what the new customers are being offered as the parameters are not quantifiable,” a TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) official said.
Sources said Airtel’s Platinum and Vodafone Idea’s RedX premium plans were violating net neutrality norms. Responding to the telecom watchdog’s latest move, Airtel spokesperson said the company has a relentless obsession to eliminate faults. On July 6, the Sunil Mittal-led telecom major Bharti Airtel announced faster 4G data speeds for all its platinum customers – postpaid users paying ₹499 or above.
While Vodafone Idea had launched its RedX plan in November 2019 for postpaid customers that provide up to 50 percent faster speeds as well as special services.