Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to take a stand over the extended free voice and data services given by Reliance Jio within ‘reasonable time.’
The bench, which comprises of B.B. Srivastava and A.K. Bhargava, is reported to have heard the arguments from both Airtel and TRAI and has set the next date of hearing on February 1, 2017. The tribunal body direction came while hearing a petition filed by Bharti Airtel in which the operator had challenged TRAI’s decision for allowing Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio to provide free services beyond 90 days, accusing the regulator of being a ‘mute spectator’ and ‘sleeping trustee’ to the violations carried out by Jio.
In its 25-page petition filed before TDSAT, Airtel had asked the body to direct TRAI to ensure that Jio does not provide its free voice and data plan beyond December 3. For those who are unaware, Reliance Jio extended its free services till March 31st, 2017 by introducing Jio Happy New Year offer earlier this month. Airtel has accused that the free services offered by Jio has caused “significant prejudice and day-to-day loss” to it and is “affecting its network” as it has to bear asymmetric traffic due to the free calling services offered by Reliance Jio.