India's top telcos oppose TRAI's standalone voice SMS plans
Business
India's top telecom companies, Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, aren't happy with TRAI's idea to bring in standalone voice and SMS plans.
The goal is to help people who don't use mobile data (think: many rural or low-income users) save money.
But telcos argue these plans just don't work with today's 4G and 5G tech, since calls now run through data networks.
Telcos warn scams, advocates seek affordability
Telcos warn that cheaper, voice-only packs could make it easier for scammers and lead to surprise charges from accidental data use.
On the other side, consumer advocates point out that hundreds of millions still use basic phones, and end up paying for data they can't even use.
They say affordable options are overdue, especially where network quality is poor and money is tight.