TRAI asks Airtel, Vodafone Idea to hold priority plans promising faster speeds

telecom regulator has asked Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea to put on hold specific plans that promised faster speeds to certain priority users, as it questioned wher network preference came at cost of deterioration of services for or subscribers.

A source said Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has asked two operators to withhold specific plan for interim period. TRAI has written to two operators -- Airtel and Vodafone Idea -- and questioned m about ir individual plans that promised faster speeds to certain priority users.

regulator has asked if priority to high-paying customers in those specific plans came at cost of service deterioration for or subscribers. It has asked operators how y are protecting interest of or general subscribers.

When contacted, an Airtel spokesperson said: "We are passionate about delivering best network and service experience to all our customers." "This is why we have a relentless obsession to eliminate faults, and have been consistently recognised by international ncies as best network in terms of speed, latency and video experience.

"At same time, we want to keep raising bar for our post-paid customers in terms of service and responsiveness. This is an ongoing effort at our end," Airtel spokesperson ded.

Bharti Airtel h anunced last Monday that it would give preference to platinum mobile customers, who pay Rs 499 and above per month for post -paid connection, on its 4G network. platinum customers will get better 4G speed on Airtel network compared to or customers. TRAI has given Airtel seven days to respond to its questions, a person privy to development said. In case of Vodafone Idea, company h launched a postpaid plan, REDX, promising up to 50 per cent faster data speeds, besides or benefits and privileges.

Asked about TRAI's latest move, a Vodafone Idea spokesperson said: "Vodafone RedX plan offers a range of benefits including unlimited data, calls, premium content, international roaming pack etc. for our valued postpaid customers who want more." "VIL is committed to serve its customers with best in class offerings and high speed 4G data across all markets. VIL's fastest 4G speed in many markets, including metros, has been verified by global testing ncies, such as Ookla and OpenSignal amongst ors," VIL spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, a VIL source, who did t wish to be named, said company was taken aback at TRAI's letter over weekend asking it to block plan without any opportunity to respond on an important matter such as tariff. company source said that RedX plan was filed with TRAI in vember and furr modifications to plan were, once again, duly filed in May. plan has been in market for last eight months and customers are alrey on-boarded. VIL source said company was of view that re was violation of tariff regulation on this plan.