Telecom regulator TRAI on Tuesday slammed Reliance Communications for “usurping” unspent pre-paid balances and security deposit of its mobile customers after operations were shut down, calling it “unethical, immoral and unjustified”. TRAI Chairman RS Sharma warned of punitive action if the Anil Ambani-led company fails to comply with its directive.
“They have no legal, ethical or moral justifications to usurp customers' money and their response that 'we will not do it', is completely unjustified,” said Sharma.
RCom did not immediately respond to emails seeking its comments. TRAI has already shot off a letter to RCom, which in December shut mobile telephony services after heavy debt made operations unviable, saying an operator has “no right” to keep unspent balances when services are closed. TRAI has asked RCom to refund the unspent balances on pre-paid plans, vouchers and security deposit of its customers within the prescribed timeframe.