Vodafone Idea Rejects Airtel and Jio Allegations of Unfair Customer Tactics

Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have lodged complaints with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, accusing Vodafone Idea of breaching TRAI’s 2021 directives on customer acquisition through mobile number portability. They allege that Vi’s agents impersonate rival executives, warn of tariff hikes, and then persuade customers to switch, while also restricting SMS messages needed for generating porting codes. The carriers say these tactics distort competition and have provided supporting evidence.

Vodafone Idea refuted the claims, stating it operates within the legal framework and follows all regulations. The controversy coincides with Vi’s efforts to regain subscribers, backed by a Rs 35,000 crore funding plan and a high-profile advertising push starring Shah Rukh Khan.