Indian telecom regulator, TRAI, has ordered Reliance Jio to withdraw its latest Summer Surprise offer, a move which could hamper the telecom operator's plans to rapidly increase its paid subscriber base. The move will also provide an instant relief to bleeding incumbent telcos such as Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular.
The Mukesh Ambani-led telecom operator, in a statement, said that it has accepted the decision and it is in the process of withdrawing the 3 months complimentary benefits of Jio Summer Surprise offer as soon as operationally feasible, over the next few days, fully complying with the regulator’s advice.
Reliance Jio said that all customers who have subscribed to Summer Surprise offer prior to its discontinuation will remain eligible for the offer.
On March 31, Jio has announced the Summer surprise offer, under which all Jio Prime members making their first recharge payment of Rs 303 (or higher) plans would get 3 months complimentary services in addition to the benefits of their purchased plan. It said that over 72 million users had subscribed to the Prime service.
In a letter to Jio users, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani had said, "The Jio Summer Surprise is the first of many surprises for our Jio Prime members. This complimentary period will also help to familiarise Jio customers with Jio’s fully digital, self-service process of using the MyJio app to perform recharges and to set up digital payment methods for further purchases."
