Airtel moves TDSAT on Jio delaying withdrawal of 'Summer Surprise Offer'

Also objects to continuation of benefits for those who already subscribed to offer before withdrawal

Bharti Airtel has filed an application in telecom tribunal, objecting to the alleged delays by Reliance Jio while withdrawing its three-month complimentary offer as directed by regulator.

The interim application by Airtel pertains to Summer Surprise offer of Reliance Jio under which it was giving data and voice.

Airtel has also objected to continuation of scheme's benefits for those who had already subscribed to the said offer before it was withdrawn.

When contacted, Bharti Airtel declined to comment.

The matter was heard briefly on Thursday in Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal. The next hearing will be on April 20, along with a main petition, in which Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular have challenged a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) order that allowed free 4G service offers of Jio beyond the stipulated 90 days.

On April 6, Trai had asked Jio to withdraw its contentious three-month 'complimentary' offer of unlimited data usage and free calls on payment of a minimum Rs 303, saying it was not in accordance with the regulatory framework.

Trai had said that Reliance Jio will be required to roll back the three-month complimentary offer in "shortest possible time" but clarified that customers who had already subscribed to the said scheme could avail the benefits till June-end.

Soon after, telecom operator Vodafone approached Trai alleging that Jio was inviting last-minute subscriptions to its Summer Surprise offer despite the regulator finding it to be in violation of norms.

Jio, on April 11, unveiled a new plan of 1GB 4G data daily for three months at Rs 309 for its Prime members, but Airtel had dubbed it as "old wine in a new bottle".
 

The same day, Jio said it has "fully withdrawn" the Summer Surprise offer following the advice of the telecom regulator.