Predatory pricing once again rears its ugly head?

Airtel had on April 13, 2023 accused JioFiber of predatory pricing on its recent bundled broadband plan offering live TV channels. “Offering 400-550 live TV channels as part of a broadband offering well below market cost with a view to reduce competition is a clear case of predatory pricing and is in contravention of the TTO-1999 and requires immediate attention of the authority,” complained Airtel.

While Jio had countered the claim, “This complaint (by Airtel) is a deliberate, malicious attempt by Airtel to defame Reliance Jio’s consumer-friendly tariffs in order to protect its narrow interests” warning Airtel not to make frivolous complaints, Tata Play accused both the telcos for bundling live TV channels and over-the-top (OTT) apps with their respective broadband offers.

“This move of predatory pricing by telecom and broadband operators is damaging and detrimental to the DTH business, which is already saddled with multiple regulatory restrictions and is unable to negotiate with broadcasters and give such lucrative discounts to its subscribers,” wrote the pure play operator to TRAI.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is now examining the matter of all three companies. The regulator has asked the operators to respond within a week.

Also read, https://www.communicationstoday.co.in/jio-rejects-airtel-charge-on-predatory-pricing-of-tv-channels/

CT Bureau