Following TRAI’s instructions, telecom companies have started providing only voice packs. But there is no relief for the customers. Telling what is the full news, Aseem Manchanda of CNBC-Awaaz said that the voice pack is getting expensive. Following the instructions of TRAI, companies have given voice packs. That means companies have started providing only voice packs. But the consumer will not get any benefit from it. Telecom companies have not made any cut in tariffs. Telecom companies have removed data from the existing pack only. Customers will have to do additional recharge for data. It is noteworthy that TRAI’s focus is on making data packs cheaper.
Telecom companies have started providing only voice packs but there is no benefit to the consumer.
If telecom companies start providing only voice packs, the consumer will not get any benefit from it. For example, earlier Airtel’s annual plan was Rs 1999, in which customers used to get 24 GB data. Now the company has removed 24 GB data from it and is offering this plan to customers only in the name of Vice Plan. That means, if the consumer wants data in it, he will have to recharge additional. TRAI wanted consumers to get cheaper packs without data, but these companies have defied TRAI’s order.
If TRAI’s instructions were followed properly, it could have helped about 15 crore 2G users in the country and those consumers who use two SIM cards and keep one of them only for voice calls and SMS. Currently, 2G users have to buy expensive plans that include data benefits that are of no use to them. It is worth noting that only Airtel and Vi which offer 2G networks come under the scope of this directive. Whereas Jio offers only 4G and 5G networks. TRAI wanted consumers to get cheaper packs without data but these companies have defied TRAI’s order.