In a recent development, telecom operator Reliance Jio has criticized Bharti Airtel’s complaint that it allegedly filed with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) over JioFiber’s broadband live TV channels.
Allegations Made by Airtel Against Jio Fiber
Earlier, Airtel had lodged a complaint with TRAI against JioFiber’s “unlawful and unethical practices” and had claimed that the company was offering free broadcast services, including TV channels, without obtaining the necessary permissions. It also accused Jio of having an unfair advantage in the market by providing “unlicensed and unregistered IPTV services” with its broadband connections.
Jio’s response
In response to these allegations, Jio has stated that it has not violated any existing regulations and has not received any complaints from the authorities. The company has verified that all the channels provided by Jiofibre are legally authorized under the relevant licenses and agreements with broadcasters.
Jio’s accusations against Airtel
Moreover, Jio has emphasized the fact that the telecom industry operates in a fiercely competitive environment and companies are constantly innovating to create value for their customers. It has further added that Airtel’s complaint against Jio is simply an attempt to hamper the company’s growth and limit the availability of affordable and high-quality broadband services to consumers.
Growing demand for high-speed internet
The dispute between the two telecom giants comes at a time when the demand for high-speed broadband and streaming services has increased significantly due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. More and more people are working from home, and online classes have become the norm. Consequently, the demand for high-speed internet has skyrocketed, and service providers are doing everything they can to tap into this growing market.
Jio’s growth
Jio’s low-cost plans and innovative services have driven growth and increased customer adoption. As a result, Jio has managed to capture a significant portion of the telecom market share in the country, garnering over 400 million subscribers.
Competitive nature of the telecom industry:
The conflict between Airtel and Jio is a clear indication that the telecom industry in India is highly competitive and companies are willing to go to great lengths to protect their turf and drive growth. However, Jio’s response to Airtel’s complaint reveals that the accusations made against it hold no merit and the company is simply trying to maintain its dominance in the market
