Reliance Jio
Mukesh Ambani.

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio on Tuesday announced that it would increase mobile call and data charges in the next few weeks.

The statement from Jio came a day after Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea Ltd announced a hike in call and data charges from next month.

Reliance Jio has revolutionised the Indian telecom sector by ushering in the age of latest data-centric technologies and propelled India into global digital leadership.

Also read: Reliance Jio to charge 6 paise per minute for calls to other networks

“As per media reports, we understand that TRAI is likely to initiate a consultation process for revision of telecom tariffs,” Jio said in its statement.

“Like other operators, we will also work with the Government and comply with the regulatory regime to strengthen the industry to benefit Indian consumers and take measures including appropriate increase in tariffs in next few weeks in a manner that does not adversely impact data consumption or growth in digital adoption and sustains investments,” it added.

Jio claimed that it has enabled India as the world’s largest data-market growing from 20 crore GB per month in 2016 to over 600 crore GB per month now.

It also said despite the staggering growth in data-consumption and 4G coverage across the country, there are still over 40 crore Indian consumers who have not benefitted from the advent of the latest technologies.

“We believe that the ambitious objectives of the ‘Digital India’ mission can be achieved only if India is made 2G-mukt in the shortest time-frame possible. The Government and TRAI should mandate this through policy,” Jio added.