Reliance Jio Files Complaint to TRAI About Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea

The telecommunications division of Reliance Industries Ltd has called on the Indian telecommunications regulator to take action against rivals Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea Ltd for allegedly running a false propaganda campaign to lure subscribers.

In a letter dated December 10, Reliance Jio alleged that the two companies had created the impression that Reliance, which also runs retail operations, would benefit from three new farm laws introduced by the Indian government in September.

"We once again bring to your kind attention that as a result of aforementioned false propaganda of competitors to affect customer perception, we have been receiving a large number of port out (cancellation) requests," Reliance Jio said in the letter to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, which was seen by Reuters.

Farmers have been protesting for nearly three weeks against the deregulation of the agricultural sector that will allow them to sell products to buyers beyond government-regulated wholesale markets, where farmers are guaranteed a minimum price.

Bharti Airtel said in a statement: "We wish to emphatically deny this baseless charge." Bharti Airtel also said that the company treats its competitors and partners with respect.

Vodafone Idea said it "believes in doing business with ethics and Reliance's allegations were baseless."

The telecoms regulator could not be reached outside of regular business hours.