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Tag: TDSAT

  • Airtel petitions CCI as TRAI allows free Jio

    Airtel petitions CCI as TRAI allows free Jio

    MUMBAI: Telecom regulator TRAI has made up its mind to permit the new entrant Reliance Jio to go on with its free data offer, objections from rivals notwithstanding. Failing to get a favourable TRAI decision, Airtel has petitioned the Competition Commission of India (CCI) seeking respite from Jio’s complimentary services. Airtel complained said that Jio’s tariffs are affecting competition.

    TRAI has now permitted Jio to continue with its “Happy New Year” offer thus allowing its subscribers to use up to 1GB free data every day. But, TRAI ruled that Jio schemes were valid.

    Airtel had, on 24 December, filed a petition with the telecom tribunal, TDSAT, calling TRAI a “mute spectator” as it allowed Jio to go on with its complimentary offer beyond the stipulated 90-day period. On 18 January, Idea Cellular too moved TDSAT to stop Jio from giving free data.

    Rules prevent operators from having a complimentary campaign for over months, and Jio has now been offering free services for over 90 days, and now deciding to extend the offer to 31 March.

    Telcos meanwhile are planning to consolidate in order to survive in the competitive market.

    Also Read:

    Jio becomes top ISP, Wireline growth retards overall broadband internet subs fall in Nov-16

    BSNL violating TRAI’s IUC norms, complains COAI

    TRAI: HC asks Idea, DoT to file affidavit on plea

    Idea petitions TDSAT against TRAI; price war set to escalate

  • Idea petitions TDSAT against TRAI; price war set to escalate

    Idea petitions TDSAT against TRAI; price war set to escalate

    MUMBAI: Idea Cellular has petitioned TDSAT seeking to stop Reliance Jio from continuing free services till 31 March. In December 2016, India’s largest telco Bharti Airtel had moved the tribunal over the same issue.

    TDSAT had, in its last hearing, directed TRAI to come to a conclusion in “reasonable time”.

    Jio’s free services have set off a price war. After Reliance proposing investment of Rs 30,000 crore by end of this fiscal, the war is set to escalate. The recent cut-down — by approximately 66 per cent — in data rates impacted Idea’s stock prices. Airtel’s stock too was in the list of the losers on Nifty.

    India’s third largest wireless operator Idea Cellular, run by the multi-billion dollar conglomerate Aditya Birla Group, has now filed a petition in the appellate telecom tribunal (TDSAT) against the telecom regulator TRAI. According to an unidentified TRAI official, the authority has sought opinion of attorney-general Mukul Rohatgi on the matter related to Jio’s extension of free services.

    TRAI chairman R.S. Sharma said that everybody in India was free to move court. The Constitution provided them the right. TRA was looking into the matter of Jio’s promotional services and the presentations / arguments made by other operators, and would decide the issue very soon.

    Airtel had said that TRAI was allowing Jio to continue with its free internet services beyond the stipulated 90-days time period. It had accused TRAI of acting as a “mute spectator” and killing competition in the sector by allowing Jio to offer free services. Rival telcos had said the free services were predatory in nature.

    Also Read:

    Jio may use US$4.4bn to lay OFC, expand network to stifle competition

    Rs 30k cr to enhance Jio coverage; A-G clears DoT’s power to penalise telcos

    Q3-17: Reliance: Jio busts records, organized retail op profit grows 55 percent

    BSNL launches FMT & Ditto TV; 4G planned this year

     

  • Idea petitions TDSAT against TRAI; price war set to escalate

    Idea petitions TDSAT against TRAI; price war set to escalate

    MUMBAI: Idea Cellular has petitioned TDSAT seeking to stop Reliance Jio from continuing free services till 31 March. In December 2016, India’s largest telco Bharti Airtel had moved the tribunal over the same issue.

    TDSAT had, in its last hearing, directed TRAI to come to a conclusion in “reasonable time”.

    Jio’s free services have set off a price war. After Reliance proposing investment of Rs 30,000 crore by end of this fiscal, the war is set to escalate. The recent cut-down — by approximately 66 per cent — in data rates impacted Idea’s stock prices. Airtel’s stock too was in the list of the losers on Nifty.

    India’s third largest wireless operator Idea Cellular, run by the multi-billion dollar conglomerate Aditya Birla Group, has now filed a petition in the appellate telecom tribunal (TDSAT) against the telecom regulator TRAI. According to an unidentified TRAI official, the authority has sought opinion of attorney-general Mukul Rohatgi on the matter related to Jio’s extension of free services.

    TRAI chairman R.S. Sharma said that everybody in India was free to move court. The Constitution provided them the right. TRA was looking into the matter of Jio’s promotional services and the presentations / arguments made by other operators, and would decide the issue very soon.

    Airtel had said that TRAI was allowing Jio to continue with its free internet services beyond the stipulated 90-days time period. It had accused TRAI of acting as a “mute spectator” and killing competition in the sector by allowing Jio to offer free services. Rival telcos had said the free services were predatory in nature.

    Also Read:

    Jio may use US$4.4bn to lay OFC, expand network to stifle competition

    Rs 30k cr to enhance Jio coverage; A-G clears DoT’s power to penalise telcos

    Q3-17: Reliance: Jio busts records, organized retail op profit grows 55 percent

    BSNL launches FMT & Ditto TV; 4G planned this year

     

  • TDSAT recalls attachment proceedings against MSO Sadhna Media

    TDSAT recalls attachment proceedings against MSO Sadhna Media

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal has recalled its order of attachment of properties of Sadhna Media Pvt Ltd after Siti Cable Network Ltd confirmed that the demand draft of Rs 26,87,793 handed over to it last month was in full and final settlement of a case pending since 2013.

    Consequently members B B Srivastava and A K Bhargava also disposed of the execution application.

    Sadhna Group is a media and broadcast business conglomerate, running multiple television channels and engaged in varied businesses of media, education, advertising, medical, mining and aviation, based in New Delhi.

    Siti Networks Limited (Siti Cable Network) is a part of the Essel Group, which is one of India’s leading business houses with a diverse portfolio. Being India’s one of the most prominent multi-system operators (MSO), Sit is reaching a billion people.

    In an order on 17 January 2017, the tribunal also directed that District Judge, Central District, Tis Hazari, Delhi, and District Judge, Gautam Budh Nagar, Noida, UP, may be informed about this order.

    The tribunal had passed the attachment order on 8 September 2016 after it was informed that despite an agreement on 22 April 2014, the MSO had failed to make any payment to Siti Cable. The details of the case can be had from the TDSAT website.

    Following this, the tribunal had asked Siti Cable on 30 April 2014 to withdraw its petition. However, Siti Cable filed a fresh application last year seeking attachment of the properties of the MSO — Sadhna Media.

    The evolution of the Sadhna Group can be traced to its beginning in 1977 as a small advertising agency. Apart from audio-visual programming and broadcasting, the group has varied business interests in the allied areas of television media – Sadhna/Sadhna News/Ishwar channels, advertising – print/outdoor, etc.

    It was in September, 2016, an execution application (E.A.) was filed by the petitioner decree holder, Siti Cable Network, for realisation of the decretal amount of Rs.18,53,650/- in terms of order of the tribunal dated 30.4.2014.

    Siti Cable Network and the respondent judgement debtor Sadhna Media Pvt. Ltd. concluded a settlement agreement before the Mediation Centre of the TDSAT on 22.4.2014. The terms of the settlement were as under: That it has been agreed by and between the parties that the respondent shall pay an amount of Rs. 18,53,650/- to the petitioner in full and final settlement of all dues. That the above amount shall be paid by the respondent in six equal monthly installments of Rs.3,08,942/- each commencing from 30 April, 2014, by way of a cheque/demand draft.

  • TDSAT recalls attachment proceedings against MSO Sadhna Media

    TDSAT recalls attachment proceedings against MSO Sadhna Media

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal has recalled its order of attachment of properties of Sadhna Media Pvt Ltd after Siti Cable Network Ltd confirmed that the demand draft of Rs 26,87,793 handed over to it last month was in full and final settlement of a case pending since 2013.

    Consequently members B B Srivastava and A K Bhargava also disposed of the execution application.

    Sadhna Group is a media and broadcast business conglomerate, running multiple television channels and engaged in varied businesses of media, education, advertising, medical, mining and aviation, based in New Delhi.

    Siti Networks Limited (Siti Cable Network) is a part of the Essel Group, which is one of India’s leading business houses with a diverse portfolio. Being India’s one of the most prominent multi-system operators (MSO), Sit is reaching a billion people.

    In an order on 17 January 2017, the tribunal also directed that District Judge, Central District, Tis Hazari, Delhi, and District Judge, Gautam Budh Nagar, Noida, UP, may be informed about this order.

    The tribunal had passed the attachment order on 8 September 2016 after it was informed that despite an agreement on 22 April 2014, the MSO had failed to make any payment to Siti Cable. The details of the case can be had from the TDSAT website.

    Following this, the tribunal had asked Siti Cable on 30 April 2014 to withdraw its petition. However, Siti Cable filed a fresh application last year seeking attachment of the properties of the MSO — Sadhna Media.

    The evolution of the Sadhna Group can be traced to its beginning in 1977 as a small advertising agency. Apart from audio-visual programming and broadcasting, the group has varied business interests in the allied areas of television media – Sadhna/Sadhna News/Ishwar channels, advertising – print/outdoor, etc.

    It was in September, 2016, an execution application (E.A.) was filed by the petitioner decree holder, Siti Cable Network, for realisation of the decretal amount of Rs.18,53,650/- in terms of order of the tribunal dated 30.4.2014.

    Siti Cable Network and the respondent judgement debtor Sadhna Media Pvt. Ltd. concluded a settlement agreement before the Mediation Centre of the TDSAT on 22.4.2014. The terms of the settlement were as under: That it has been agreed by and between the parties that the respondent shall pay an amount of Rs. 18,53,650/- to the petitioner in full and final settlement of all dues. That the above amount shall be paid by the respondent in six equal monthly installments of Rs.3,08,942/- each commencing from 30 April, 2014, by way of a cheque/demand draft.

  • Star India, Dhru Lucky settle case; TDSAT petition withdrawn

    Star India, Dhru Lucky settle case; TDSAT petition withdrawn

    NEW DELHI: The dispute between Dhru Lucky Enterprise Pvt Ltd and Star India about renewal of lapsed agreements has been resolved and the multi-system operator has withdrawn its petition in the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal.

    Members B B Srivastava and A K Bhargava have dismissed the petition as withdrawn after counsel for both parties said the matter had been settled amicably.

    Early last year, the Tribunal had asked Dhru to file an affidavit clarifying that it will not transfer its movable or immovable properties to anyone while its case against Star India is pending. This was done for clarifying the relationship of Dhru and GTPL Hathway.

    Dhru Lucky had filed a petition in October 2014 against Star India seeking renewal of lapsed agreements. Subsequently, the Tribunal stayed disconnection notices issued to Dhru Lucky by its orders of 12 November and 18 November that year. Dhru thereafter received enjoyed signals within the areas mentioned in the lapsed agreements.

    However, Star India alleged that Dhru had been resorting to rampant piracy. In an order of 16 April 2015, Dhru gave an undertaking that it would confine its operation within the areas mentioned in the lapsed agreements.

    Subsequently, Star filed a contempt application against Dhru on the grounds that, in breach of the undertaking contained in order dated 16 April 2015, it went beyond the areas mentioned in the lapsed agreements.

    Dhru was directed on 19 May 2015 to clearly explain on affidavit the circumstances under which it was operating in Vapi, which is beyond the areas mentioned in the lapsed agreements. Dhru had on 28 May 2015 told the Tribunal that it had assigned its network at Vapi and Daman to some other entity, and that, it no longer wishes to carry on with its MSO business.

    Following that order, it was directed to file an affidavit as to its assignment to some other entity. On 17 July 2015, it filed another affidavit where Dhru mentioned that TDSAT had been apprised on 28 May 2015 about GTPL Hathway taking over Dhru’s cable business in its entirety.

    Star India, in response, pleaded that Dhru was indulging in piracy even on 23 July 2015. Subsequently, GTPL-Hathway was impleaded in the petition as it appeared that Dhru had assigned its business to the distributor.

    TDSAT had on 1 March 2016 directed Dhru MD Sureshbhai Jagubhai Patel to be present in person. He was also directed to produce the instrument under which Dhru was said to have transferred its LCO business to GTPL-Hathway.

    Also Read

    Clarify status with Star India, TDSAT asks Canara Star

     

  • Star India, Dhru Lucky settle case; TDSAT petition withdrawn

    Star India, Dhru Lucky settle case; TDSAT petition withdrawn

    NEW DELHI: The dispute between Dhru Lucky Enterprise Pvt Ltd and Star India about renewal of lapsed agreements has been resolved and the multi-system operator has withdrawn its petition in the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal.

    Members B B Srivastava and A K Bhargava have dismissed the petition as withdrawn after counsel for both parties said the matter had been settled amicably.

    Early last year, the Tribunal had asked Dhru to file an affidavit clarifying that it will not transfer its movable or immovable properties to anyone while its case against Star India is pending. This was done for clarifying the relationship of Dhru and GTPL Hathway.

    Dhru Lucky had filed a petition in October 2014 against Star India seeking renewal of lapsed agreements. Subsequently, the Tribunal stayed disconnection notices issued to Dhru Lucky by its orders of 12 November and 18 November that year. Dhru thereafter received enjoyed signals within the areas mentioned in the lapsed agreements.

    However, Star India alleged that Dhru had been resorting to rampant piracy. In an order of 16 April 2015, Dhru gave an undertaking that it would confine its operation within the areas mentioned in the lapsed agreements.

    Subsequently, Star filed a contempt application against Dhru on the grounds that, in breach of the undertaking contained in order dated 16 April 2015, it went beyond the areas mentioned in the lapsed agreements.

    Dhru was directed on 19 May 2015 to clearly explain on affidavit the circumstances under which it was operating in Vapi, which is beyond the areas mentioned in the lapsed agreements. Dhru had on 28 May 2015 told the Tribunal that it had assigned its network at Vapi and Daman to some other entity, and that, it no longer wishes to carry on with its MSO business.

    Following that order, it was directed to file an affidavit as to its assignment to some other entity. On 17 July 2015, it filed another affidavit where Dhru mentioned that TDSAT had been apprised on 28 May 2015 about GTPL Hathway taking over Dhru’s cable business in its entirety.

    Star India, in response, pleaded that Dhru was indulging in piracy even on 23 July 2015. Subsequently, GTPL-Hathway was impleaded in the petition as it appeared that Dhru had assigned its business to the distributor.

    TDSAT had on 1 March 2016 directed Dhru MD Sureshbhai Jagubhai Patel to be present in person. He was also directed to produce the instrument under which Dhru was said to have transferred its LCO business to GTPL-Hathway.

    Also Read

    Clarify status with Star India, TDSAT asks Canara Star

     

  • Rs 30k cr to enhance Jio coverage; A-G clears DoT’s power to penalise telcos

    Rs 30k cr to enhance Jio coverage; A-G clears DoT’s power to penalise telcos

    MUMBAI: Even as India’s attorney-general cleared a Rs 3,050 crore penal action against the leading telcos, Reliance CMD Mukesh Ambani is planning to infuse Rs 30,000 crore in Reliance Jio telecom venture which has caused a major disruption in India’s fiercely-competitive mobile market.

    The attorney-general is understood to have opined that the Department of Telecom (DoT) has the power to impose penalty on grounds of poor quality of service of telecom operators Vodafone, Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular, sources told PTI.

    Reliance Jio, which reportedly had a subscriber base of 72.4 million at 2016-end, plans to collect funds via a rights issue that was approved at a recent board meeting, the Times of India reported.

    In view of the unprecedented customer response and to address the anticipated growth in demand for digital services, Jio stated, additional investments were proposed to be made into the network to enhance its capacity and coverage. The new funds will come on top of the Rs 1.7 lakh crore that Reliance Jio has already invested.

    The rights issue has been planned to be for six billion nine per cent non-cumulative optionally convertible preference shares (OCPS) of Rs 10 each for cash, at a premium of Rs 40 per OCPS. The amount subscribed/paid on each OCPS will be either redeemed at Rs 50 or converted into five equity shares of Rs 10 each at any time at the option of the company, but not later than 10 years from the date of allotment.

    The new entrant Jio caused a considerable disruption in the space. In broadband services, with 35.94 million (3.594 crore), Jio had, in October 2016, joined the top five subscribers list. No matter it is working out to the benefit of the consumer and helping the industry expand albeit at a much lower cost to the end-user, well-entrenched rivals now are on a slippery wicket. Meanwhile, other telecom operators in the country are scrambling to catch up.

    Telecom tribunal TDSAT has ordered the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to take a stand on Reliance Jio’s free 4G offer in reasonable time. A tribunal bench heard arguments of both sides — TRAI and Airtel — and posted the matter for 1 February.

    Reliance Jio earlier chose not to respond to queries regarding its reply to TRAI in connection with questions raised against alleged violations in extending its free offer till 31 March 2017 much beyond its introductory offer. Airtel had filed a petition before TDSAT accusing TRAI of being ‘sleeping trustee’ and a ‘mute spectator’ to the violations carried out by Jio.

    Also Read:

    Darwin effect: 3-4 telcos may Jio after potential M&As

    Jio HNY: TDSAT raps TRAI as contest deepens

    Respond to Vodafone’s TRAI challenge in two weeks, govt directed

     

  • Rs 30k cr to enhance Jio coverage; A-G clears DoT’s power to penalise telcos

    Rs 30k cr to enhance Jio coverage; A-G clears DoT’s power to penalise telcos

    MUMBAI: Even as India’s attorney-general cleared a Rs 3,050 crore penal action against the leading telcos, Reliance CMD Mukesh Ambani is planning to infuse Rs 30,000 crore in Reliance Jio telecom venture which has caused a major disruption in India’s fiercely-competitive mobile market.

    The attorney-general is understood to have opined that the Department of Telecom (DoT) has the power to impose penalty on grounds of poor quality of service of telecom operators Vodafone, Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular, sources told PTI.

    Reliance Jio, which reportedly had a subscriber base of 72.4 million at 2016-end, plans to collect funds via a rights issue that was approved at a recent board meeting, the Times of India reported.

    In view of the unprecedented customer response and to address the anticipated growth in demand for digital services, Jio stated, additional investments were proposed to be made into the network to enhance its capacity and coverage. The new funds will come on top of the Rs 1.7 lakh crore that Reliance Jio has already invested.

    The rights issue has been planned to be for six billion nine per cent non-cumulative optionally convertible preference shares (OCPS) of Rs 10 each for cash, at a premium of Rs 40 per OCPS. The amount subscribed/paid on each OCPS will be either redeemed at Rs 50 or converted into five equity shares of Rs 10 each at any time at the option of the company, but not later than 10 years from the date of allotment.

    The new entrant Jio caused a considerable disruption in the space. In broadband services, with 35.94 million (3.594 crore), Jio had, in October 2016, joined the top five subscribers list. No matter it is working out to the benefit of the consumer and helping the industry expand albeit at a much lower cost to the end-user, well-entrenched rivals now are on a slippery wicket. Meanwhile, other telecom operators in the country are scrambling to catch up.

    Telecom tribunal TDSAT has ordered the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to take a stand on Reliance Jio’s free 4G offer in reasonable time. A tribunal bench heard arguments of both sides — TRAI and Airtel — and posted the matter for 1 February.

    Reliance Jio earlier chose not to respond to queries regarding its reply to TRAI in connection with questions raised against alleged violations in extending its free offer till 31 March 2017 much beyond its introductory offer. Airtel had filed a petition before TDSAT accusing TRAI of being ‘sleeping trustee’ and a ‘mute spectator’ to the violations carried out by Jio.

    Also Read:

    Darwin effect: 3-4 telcos may Jio after potential M&As

    Jio HNY: TDSAT raps TRAI as contest deepens

    Respond to Vodafone’s TRAI challenge in two weeks, govt directed

     

  • TRAI allowing Jio to contravene rules, Airtel files affidavit in TDSAT

    TRAI allowing Jio to contravene rules, Airtel files affidavit in TDSAT

    MUMBAI: Bharti Airtel has escalated its legal battle against the telecom regulator TRAI, filing an additional affidavit in the telecom tribunal TDSAT in which it has slammed the watchdog for what it termed “tacitly” allowing Reliance Jio Infocomm to break rules around “anti-competitive” promotional offers.

    In the affidavit filed with the Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) on Tuesday, India’s No. 1 telco Airtel has made the allegations, Sat release stated.

    On 23 December, Airtel had moved TDSAT against TRAI for not acting against Jio despite the latter reportedly violating its regulatory orders that restrain operators from offering free voice calls and providing promotional plans beyond an initial 90-day period.

    TDSAT then asked TRAI to furnish a reply for which the latter sought time even as it sent a notice to Jio. The next date for hearing the matter is 1 February. Meanwhile, TDSAT permitted Jio to also become party to the case so that the operator will also be filing its application on the matter.

    “It is respectfully submitted that the present appeal is at a very initial stage and pleadings are yet to be completed. The appellant is filing the present additional affidavit only to bring on record certain additional grounds of challenge. Since the present appeal is at an initial stage and the pleadings are yet to be completed, no prejudice whatsoever will be caused to the respondent if the present affidavit is taken on record. Moreover, the said grounds are essential to the adjudication of the present appeal and thus grave prejudice will be caused to the appellant if the present affidavit is not taken on record,” Bharti has said in its additional affidavit, the FE reported.

    Bharti has reiterated its allegation that the free services offered by Jio were predatory as they had been introduced only to kill competition rather than encourage it.

    Also Read:

    Jio HNY: TDSAT raps TRAI as contest deepens

    TRAI violations query: Reliance Jio mum on ‘response’