The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) in an order today has asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to re-examine issues relating to the approval granted to the operator to continue with the freebies and apprise it of the “outcome and findings of the examination” within two weeks.
However it did not stay Reliance Jio’s free promotional offer. TDSAT last week had reserved the order on an interim appeal seeking a stay on Reliance Jio’s free offer. In its interim appeal, Airtel had sought a stay on TRAI’s approval to Jio to continue with the free services. It had also sought a direction to the regulator to produce all the records related to its decision.
Following this, Airtel and Idea moved the telecom tribunal against TRAI for letting the new operator continue the free promotional offer beyond the stipulated 90 days.
Back in September 2016 Reliance Jio launched its services with free voice, data and more till December 31st, later it extended the offer till March 31st with “Happy New Year” offer.
Recently it introduced Prime subscription plans that lets customers enjoy the same benefits as the “Happy New Year” offer with one-time fee of Rs. 99 and recharging with Rs. 303 every month for 12 months.