Reliance Jio Infocomm’s (RJio) attempts to widen its subscriber base through free services have finally been thwarted, with the telecom regulator asking the operator to withdraw the offer.
While the operator has complied with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) order, all those who have already signed up will continue to get free services under the offer till July.
“Jio is in the process of fully complying with the regulator’s advice, and will be withdrawing the three months complementary benefits of ‘Jio Summer Surprise’ as soon as operationally feasible, over the next few days,” the company said in a statement.
“However, all customers who have subscribed to the Jio Summer Surprise offer prior to its discontinuation will remain eligible,” it added.
Jio was expected to start charging for its services from April 1. However, it extended the deadline to buy the ₹303 plan and other plans until April 15.
Under the Jio Summer Surprise offer, those who bought the ₹99 Prime membership by April 15, with a ₹303 plan or higher, would be eligible for three months’ complementary services.
Close to 72 million subscribers had signed up for the Prime Membership offer. However, the company had nearly 100 million users when services were free. By extending free services till July, Jio was hoping to bring on board the other 30 million who did not continue with their RJio connection after it went paid.
The move to end the free services could spur telecom stocks on Friday.