TRAI clears Reliance Jio’s live TV channels on home broadband service

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has dismissed allegations against Reliance Jio Infocomm’s move to offer live TV channels as part of its home broadband service. Minister of State for Communications, Devusinh Chauhan, revealed the regulator’s decision in response to a query during a session in the Rajya Sabha.

The controversy arose when Bharti Airtel, led by Sunil Mittal and also operating in the home broadband and direct-to-home (DTH) sectors, raised concerns about Reliance Jio’s recently launched JioFiber Backup plans. Airtel accused Jio of indulging in predatory pricing, harming consumer interests, and creating an uneven playing field in the DTH digital TV space.

In response, TRAI intervened and sought a response from Reliance Jio regarding the matter. After thoroughly examining the complaint and Jio’s response, TRAI concluded that the tariffs offered by Jio were in compliance with its existing tariff orders. As such, the regulator ruled that Jio’s offerings did not violate any established guidelines.

Airtel’s complaint revolved around Jio providing an extensive range of 400/550 live TV channels at prices well below the prevailing market rates. The accusation of predatory pricing was based on the assumption that Jio aimed to reduce competition in the market. Airtel urged TRAI to act swiftly and investigate the JioFiber Backup plans to uphold a competitive market structure.

Jio, on the other hand, responded by labeling Airtel’s complaint as baseless and malicious, asserting that its tariffs were consumer-friendly and aimed at providing better services. Jio accused Airtel of attempting to safeguard its own interests through false allegations. BusinessWorld