After Airtel, Voda Idea, Jio to increase mobile tariffs

New Delhi, November 19

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio today said it will increase mobile phone call and data charges in the next few weeks. The statement came a day after Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea Ltd announced a hike in call and data charges from next month.

Jio said telecom regulator TRAI is likely to initiate consultation process for revision in 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 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,” it said in a statement.

Meanwhile, according to telecom regulator TRAI data, Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel lost over 49 lakh users in September this year, while Reliance Jio added 69.83 lakh new users to its network.

Total wireless subscribers (GSM, CDMA and LTE) increased to 117.37 crore at the end of September from 117.1 crore at the end of August, a monthly growth of 0.23%, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said.

Wireless subscription in urban areas declined to 65.91 crore at the end of September, while that in rural areas increased to 51.45 crore, it added.

As per the data, Airtel lost 23.8 lakh users in September to take its total user base to 32.55 crore. Similarly, Vodafone Idea lost 25.7 lakh users in the month to take its total user base to 37.24 crore. However, Jio added 69.83 lakh users in September, taking its total user base to 35.52 crore. — PTI

Adds 69.83 lakh new users in Sept 

• Vodafone Idea and Airtel lost over 49 lakh users in September while Reliance Jio added 69.83 lakh new users to its network
• As per TRAI data, Airtel lost 23.8 lakh users in September to take its total user base to 32.55 crore. Similarly, Vodafone Idea lost 25.7 lakh users in the month to take its total user base to 37.24 crore
• As on September 30, Vodafone Idea had a subscriber market share of 31.73% followed by Reliance Jio at 30.26% and Airtel at 27.74%

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 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 Reliance Jio