Telecom Regulatory Authority Presses Jio And Airtel to Explain Unlimited 5G Data Terms

Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have been directed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to explicitly outline the terms and conditions governing their unlimited 5G data offerings to customers.

As per a report by the Economic Times, the regulatory body, in clearing both operators of Vodafone Idea's predatory pricing complaint, determined that the tariffs aren't below costs as claimed by Vodafone Idea. It was also noted that Vodafone Idea itself offers unlimited 4G data.

Trai's instruction to Jio and Airtel allows them to maintain the provision of unlimited 5G data, but they are required to provide more detailed explanations of the terms and conditions.

Both telecommunications companies have adhered to the directive and revised the terms and conditions of their tariff plans. Airtel, in particular, has modified its fair usage policy (FUP) for unlimited 5G data, explicitly stating that usage beyond 300 GB in 30 days is considered commercial usage.

Reliance Jio has also adjusted the terms and conditions related to its Jio True 5G unlimited package. According to Jio, although there are no limitations on usage, the actual download speeds a user encounters depend on various factors such as device specifications, radio propagation characteristics in different settings, latency on popular websites, as well as the nature of mobile applications and the operating system installed on a device among other considerations.

Presently, there are no regulations preventing a telecom operator from providing unlimited plans; however, the pricing should not fall below the operational costs. Telecommunications companies are required to clarify the terms and conditions to their customers.

Jio and Airtel clarified to the regulator that unlimited data does not imply infinite usage, citing limitations based on speed and network, and emphasized that 5G was included in 4G packs with corresponding charges.

The predatory pricing controversy arose in 2016 when Airtel and Vodafone Idea accused Jio of such practices following the introduction of promotional plans offering free data for extended periods. Jio denied wrongdoing, and the antitrust body dismissed allegations against the incumbent players.