Airtel reiterates free calls commitment, over IUC levy

At a time when the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) came out with a consultation paper calling for industry's insights on extending the implementation date for bill and keep (BAK) and zero termination charge regime, Airtel has again stated that its unlimited calling customers would be able to make truly unlimited –free calls to other networks. This is obviously, without having to worry about Interconnect Usage Charges (IUC). The incumbent telco also wants users to choose the right network for their communication needs. 

Airtel would offer truly unlimited free outgoing voice calls

Now, conveying the above reiteration again, via an official tweet, that has been getting increased traction now, Airtel states that outgoing calls would be truly free to all networks. Check this tweet out, below.  

Now, this comes at a time when IUC debates are at an all-time high. Jio has already started charging its prepaid subscribers additional IUC of 6 paise per minute – in compliance with TRAI guidelines. Jio subscribers could either avail custom IUC recharges or subscribe to the telco's all-in-one plans that start from Rs 222. All of these would offer truly free unlimited voice calls to any network – without warranting additional recharges.  

As far as TRAI’s consultation paper, on BAK, is concerned, the Broadband India Forum (BIF) has clearly stated that there is currently no need for revision of the current BAK regime implementation date. This date is now 1 January 2020. The body has also strongly recommended by TRAI to not delay implementing BAK (or zero termination charge). Even Jio holds similar views as that of the BIF. In this regard, do share your insights on whether there has to be termination charge every time a voice call is placed to another network. 

Also Read: Reliance Jio Upset Over TRAI's IUC Review, Says Will Harm Users

Also Read: Jio Now Charges 6 paise per Minute For Calls To Other Networks, As IUC

Also Reda: After Jio’s new 6 Paise IUC Rule, “India With Jio” Trends On Twitter​​​​​​​