Mukesh Ambani led telecom operator Reliance Jio released an official
statement saying: "As per media reports, we understand that TRAI
(Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) is likely to initiate a
consultation process for revision of telecom tariffs. Like other
operators, we will also work with the Government and comply with the
regulatory regime to strengthen the industry to benefit Indian consumers
and take measures including an appropriate increase in tariffs in next
few weeks in a
manner that does not adversely impact data consumption or
growth in digital adoption and sustains investments". The tariff
changes are expected to be announced in December.
Reliance Jio’s 4G only mobile data network is one of the most
affordable and widespread in the country. When it first entered the
scene in 2016, the Mukesh Ambani led operator gained quite a lead in the
mobile telecom industry with the cheapest 4G data packs at the time.
India has now become the world's largest data-market, growing from 20
crore GB per month in 2016 to over 600 crore GB per month as of now.
However, despite the staggering growth in data-consumption and 4G
coverage across the country, there are still over 40 crore Indian
consumers who have do not have access to these telecommunication
facilities as yet. As such Reliance Jio has said that the objectives of
the ‘Digital India’ mission can only be achieved if India is made
'2G-free' in the shortest time-frame possible. The Government and TRAI
should mandate this through policy, fulfilling which requires an
industry-wide continued investment.
Reliance Jio says that it is committed to including 40 crore 2G
customers in the Digital India eco-system while providing the best and
most affordable service for all their existing customers. At the same
time, the telecom operator says it will always comply with regulatory
authorities (TRAI) and work with the industry to keep the telecom sector
a vibrant part of the Indian economy