COAI miffed with rumoured probe ordered by CCI

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has expressed disappointment over the rumoured probe ordered by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

A leading business daily on Friday reported that a detailed investigation has been ordered against major telcos such as Vodafone, Idea Cellular, Bharti Airtel and industry body COAI (Cellular Operators Association of India) for allegedly trying to create hurdles in the way of newcomer Reliance Jio.

Rajan S. Mathews, Director-General, COAI has expressed disappointment stating, “Though we have not seen the order as it has not been published yet, we are disappointed at the apparent news (if true), that the CCI has decided to go forward with an investigation into the complaint filed by Reliance Jio. In the interim, the matter is also before the High Court and TDSAT and we also await the conclusions from these judicial bodies.”
 
“We believe COAI and its members will be fully vindicated in the matter and truth will prevail. COAI always has and will continue to work with all its members and the government towards a facilitative policy and regulatory ecosystem for a stable long – term predictable policy environment which facilitates affordability, growth, innovation and investments. Consumers remain at the heart of everything we do and our work is at the core of implementing Prime Minister’s vision of a fully connected and empowered Digital India. The sector is already bleeding and an unambiguous clear regulatory and policy environment is the need of the hour to improve the financial health of the sector,” he added.