Airtel, Vodafone Idea's minimum monthly recharging plan is anti-competitive, accuses the group; telephone companies deny accusations

Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea are looking to increase their revenue per user and have recently announced monthly minimum charge plans starting at Rs 35.

The non-profit group Telecom Watchdog has questioned Vodafone Idea's new minimum monthly charge plans and accused operators of engaging in "anti-consumer activities," but companies have said plans are fully comply with the rules. In a letter to Trai, Telecom Watchdog expressed concern over how the two companies apparently would have set similar tariffs at the same time.

It was alleged that compelling users to increase a minimum monthly amount was equivalent to requiring a monthly rent. "What is not the practice of prepaid users".

"We would like to point out an alarming situation in which two telecommunications operators, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, once again resorted to anti-consumer activities. In total disregard of the regulatory principles, they have now unilaterally decided to terminate subscriber services within 15 days of the expiry of the "special tariff plan" period of validity, "Telecom Watchdog said in a letter to The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India. (TRAI).

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"All tariff plans of Bharti Airtel comply with the regulations in force.The issue raised by TRAI, relating to the communication of tariff plans to consumers, has already been addressed," said a Airtel spokesperson in an email.

The spokesman added that the company did not want to respond to "frivolous words"

A spokesman for Vodafone Idea also categorically denied what he described as "unfounded allegations". [19659003] "Responding to the changing needs of consumers, Vodafone Idea has radically simplified its prepaid plans to improve customer comfort. . These plans are fully compliant with all applicable regulations and guidelines. We have deployed them nationwide and we are actively communicating with customers, informing them of changes and helping them implement these new plans, "said Vodafone spokesperson Idea.

Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea are looking to increase their revenue per user. and recently announced minimum monthly recharge plans starting at Rs 35.