It seems that TRAI has no importance in India. By not following TRAI, the telecom companies are showing that TRAI has no value.
India (Delhi): Recently, TRAI had ordered telecom companies to make recharge plans cheaper, in which they were asked to provide separate plans for voice and separate plans for voice with data, but telecom companies launched new plans by making changes in their earlier recharge plans.
TRAI had asked telecom companies to bring voice tariff plans in December 2024, after which the companies changed their existing plans and implemented them again. It seems that telecom companies are ignoring TRAI and making fun of the public.
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Which plans were launched after TRAI’s instructions?
Jio plans:
- Rs 458 Plan: Validity of 84 days.
- Rs 1958 Plan: Validity of 365 days.
Airtel plans:
- Rs 499 Plan: Validity of 84 days.
- Rs 1959 Plan: Validity of 365 days.
Vodafone Idea plan:
Rs 1460 Plan: Validity of 270 days.
Telecom Tactics: When Regulatory Orders Meet Corporate Cleverness
In a bold bid to make mobile connectivity more affordable, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently ordered telecom companies to lower the cost of recharge plans. The goal was simple and consumer-friendly: ensure that millions of Indians, especially those on dual SIMs or using feature phones, could enjoy essential services like calls and SMS without overpaying. However, instead of a wholesale reduction in prices, many operators have taken a more nuanced route—modifying their existing recharge plans rather than slashing costs significantly.
Concerns about price
Telecom companies launched their plans. Regarding these plans, TRAI has said that “we will review these plans and then make possible changes if needed. But till now TRAI has not given any instructions to telecom companies regarding these plans. Should we assume that TRAI has no dominance in India? Can’t the Indian government also control these telecom companies? This is the biggest question. Will the public not get any relief?
TRAI had asked to bring voice related plans. This was said for those classes who are still using keypad phones and who do not need data plans. A decision was also taken for those middle-class families so that they do not have to bear the cost of extra mobile from their pockets, who do not need them at all.
Why is it not giving instructions to telecom companies?
It seems that TRAI has increased the problems of the public. The way telecom companies have launched voice plans, it seems that it is getting expensive. The Indian government should take some steps so that TRAI does not have to look down upon the JC organization.
Are Consumers Really Benefiting?
For the everyday mobile user, the promise of cheaper recharges remains largely unfulfilled. The modified plans, while marketed as compliant with TRAI’s vision, often offer only a marginal difference in pricing. In effect, the intended relief in monthly expenditures has been diluted by the operators’ strategic adjustments—ensuring that revenue streams remain robust while regulatory pressure is met only in form.
Consumers looking for genuine cost reductions may soon realize that they are still footing similar bills, despite the buzz of “new” plans. This scenario underscores the challenge for regulators: crafting policies that not only sound good on paper but also translate into tangible benefits for the public.
