Following the instructions of TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), telecom companies have started providing only voice packs. But consumers are not getting any special benefit from it. cnbc voice K Aseem Manchanda said that the prices of these voice packs are proving expensive for the consumers.
What is the matter?
TRAI had directed telecom companies to offer low-cost packs only for voice calls and SMS, to provide relief to 2G subscribers and customers using two SIM cards. But the companies did not completely follow this instruction of TRAI.
For example:
- Earlier Airtel’s annual plan was available for ₹1999 with 24GB data.
- Now, the same plan has been offered only as a voice pack, in which data has been completely removed.
- If the consumer wants data, he will have to recharge the data separately at additional cost.
Purpose of TRAI directive
TRAI wanted that:
- Low-cost voice-only plans Be launched.
- This should provide relief to such consumers who use SIM only for voice calls and SMS.
- 2G network users should be saved from the burden of expensive plans.
According to TRAI, there are around 15 crore 2G users in the country who get data benefits that are of no use to them.
Are the companies following the instructions?
Telecom companies partially followed TRAI’s instructions, but consumers did not benefit from it.
- Airtel and Vi (Vodafone Idea),
- Come under the purview of TRAI because these companies offer 2G network.
- But their new voice-only packs are expensive and are not offering customers any cheaper option.
- jio,
- This company provides only 4G and 5G services.
- Therefore, this instruction of TRAI had no impact on Jio.
Airtel officials clarified:
- He said it was a “technical problem”.
- Some voice-only plans have been removed from the website.
Why were cheap voice packs necessary for 2G users?
Consumers using 2G networks often pay for plans that include data. But they don’t use it.
- Cheap voice packs could have provided relief to 2G users.
- For such consumers, low cost options for voice and SMS facilities were being demanded.
What is the loss to customers?
- Now customers will have to recharge separately for data and voice.
- The prices of voice packs have become expensive instead of being cheap.
- Despite TRAI’s direction, the consumer did not find any cheaper option.
