Regulator asks Vodafone Idea to conduct internal inquiry into allegations of blocking mobile number portability and using unfair practices to attract rival subscribers
New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is investigating allegations of misconduct against Vodafone Idea (Vi) over the alleged blocking of mobile number portability (MNP) and the use of practices that may violate telecom regulations, following complaints from Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio.
TRAI has also asked Vodafone Idea to conduct an internal investigation into the allegations and submit its findings to the regulator.
TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti told Business Standard that the regulator is examining the concerns and carrying out an investigation. Speaking on the sidelines of an event, Lahoti said that whenever an issue comes to TRAI’s notice, it is examined and appropriate steps are taken to address the concerns.
The TRAI chairman was responding to questions about possible regulatory action against Vodafone Idea over allegations that the company used unfair or potentially non-compliant methods to attract customers from rival telecom operators.
What is the MNP dispute?
Mobile Number Portability allows subscribers to switch from one telecom operator to another while retaining their existing mobile phone number. The service is designed to give consumers greater freedom to choose their telecom provider without having to change their number.
According to an official familiar with the matter, TRAI has asked Vodafone Idea to investigate the allegations internally and provide the regulator with its findings. The official spoke on condition of anonymity.
Vodafone Idea, however, has maintained that its actions did not violate any existing rules or regulations.
A company spokesperson said Vodafone Idea believes in fair competition, the strength of its products and the value it provides to customers.
Airtel and Jio raise concerns
The development follows a report published by Business Standard on Monday, which said that two leading telecom operators had approached TRAI with complaints against Vodafone Idea.
According to the allegations, Vi’s agents or employees were contacting customers while allegedly posing as representatives of rival telecom companies. During these calls, customers were reportedly informed about possible tariff increases or changes to their existing plans.
The customers were subsequently contacted by Vi representatives and allegedly encouraged to port their numbers to Vodafone Idea.
The telecom companies have claimed that such practices could run contrary to regulations issued by TRAI in 2009 and 2021.
Allegations over porting codes
The operators have also alleged that Vodafone Idea was restricting the SMS that subscribers are required to send to 1900 to generate a Unique Porting Code (UPC) for mobile number portability.
The UPC is a mandatory part of the MNP process and enables a subscriber to initiate the process of switching to another telecom operator while retaining the existing mobile number.
The allegations, if established, could raise regulatory concerns because any obstruction in generating a UPC can make it difficult for customers to exercise their right to change telecom providers.
TRAI’s ongoing examination is expected to determine whether Vodafone Idea or its representatives breached applicable MNP rules or engaged in practices that could undermine fair competition and consumer choice.
For now, Vodafone Idea has denied violating existing telecom regulations, while TRAI’s investigation remains underway.
