Airtel and Jio accuse Vi of restricting SMS access needed to port mobile numbers
Airtel and Reliance Jio say Vodafone Idea is limiting access to the SMS process customers use to generate mobile-number portability codes. The dispute centres on Trai’s 2021 direction, upheld by TDSAT in 2022, requiring operators to enable port-out SMS irrespective of a customer’s tariff plan.
What happened
Airtel and Reliance Jio allege Vodafone Idea restricts SMS access needed for mobile-number porting. The dispute revives Trai’s 2021 direction, upheld by TDSAT
Key facts
- ₹75
- ₹99
- ₹179
- 28-day plan
- 2021
What changed
Airtel and Reliance Jio allege Vodafone Idea restricts SMS access needed for mobile-number porting. The dispute revives Trai’s 2021 direction, upheld by TDSAT in 2022, requiring operators to enable port-out SMS regardless of tariff plan.
Why this matters
Vodafone Idea faces heightened regulatory and reputational pressure to ensure tariff policies do not obstruct port-out requests, while Airtel and Jio can position seamless switching processes as a trust advantage.
What to watch
- Any Trai notice, directive, enforcement action or public clarification on UPC SMS access.
- Vodafone Idea statement on whether inactive or low-value prepaid plans can send porting-related SMS.
- Monthly mobile-number-portability requests and net subscriber additions, especially in Vi-heavy circles.
- Changes in Vi prepaid plan terms, validity rules, SMS entitlements or retention promotions.
- TDSAT filings or a new legal challenge related to the 2021 portability direction.