Reliance Jio has reportedly complained to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) against rivals Vodafone Idea (Vi) and Bharti Airtel. The company has sent a letter alleging a vicious campaign by rivals. The letter claims that Vodafone Idea and Airtel are spreading ‘frivolous rumors’ that Reliance Jio will gain from the Farm Bills.
As per the company, “A large number of port-out requests, wherein the customers are citing this as the sole reason for porting out of Jio without having any complaints or other issues related to Jio services”, the telecom provider said in its letter to TRAI.
Jio has sought strict action against Bharti Airtel and Vi for ‘unethical practices’ and ‘unscrupulous violations’ and to stop campaigns under which false propaganda is being spread across the country. The telco said its letter was in furtherance of its letter of September 28, 2020 “highlighting the unethical and anti-competitive MNP (Mobile Number Portability) campaign being run by Airtel and Vi to capitalize on the ongoing farmer protests in northern parts of the country.”
Responding to the allegations, Bharti Airtel has termed the charges leveled against it by Jio as ‘baseless’.
Bharti Airtel said in a statement, “Despite being provoked by some competitors who we know will go to any length to make baseless allegations, adopt bullying tactics and use intimidatory behavior we have always conducted our business with character and transparency something that we are deeply proud of and known for.”
Vodafone India also issued a statement saying, “Vi believes in doing business with ethics. These are baseless allegations against us to malign our reputation. We strongly refute such irresponsible comments on us.”