Trai Opens Inquiry Into Vodafone Idea Over Porting Allegations

Overview

• Trai confirmed it will examine representations from Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, and said the regulator will call concerned parties for follow-up after the complaints were raised on Monday.
• Airtel and Jio allege Vodafone Idea promoted tariff benefits tied specifically to customers who ported their numbers and used misleading outreach that included impersonation of other operators.
• Rivals also say Vodafone Idea restricted SMS requests to 1900 in some service areas, which blocked or delayed generation of the Unique Porting Code that customers need to switch providers.
• Vodafone Idea has denied the allegations, saying it competes fairly, offers discounts to all new customers and will present its position to Trai; no penalties or enforcement action have been announced.
• Mobile number portability requires operators to issue a UPC by SMS to 1900 without delay, and Trai’s findings could affect consumer protections, competitive rules and Vodafone Idea’s broader revival plans including 5G rollout.