The Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecom, has responded to these false claims, clarifying that India has one of the world's lowest costs for mobile services. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 2023 report, India's mobile services pricing is amongst the lowest, with a minimum mobile, voice, and data basket consisting of 140 minutes + 70 SMS + 2GB costing only around Rs 157.
For further clarification, the ministry stated that in comparison to India, neighbouring countries like China, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal have higher prices, ranging from around Rs 229 to Rs 737. Even advanced countries like the United States of America, Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Russia have significantly higher prices, ranging from Rs 546 to 4,090.
Responding to the issue of monopoly, the Department of Telecom has emphasised that the mobile services market in India operates through market forces of demand and supply, with three private sector players and one public sector player. The independent regulator, Trai, regulates the rates of telecommunication services, and the Government does not intervene in free market decisions.
The license conditions for mobile services clearly state that tariffs will be charged as per TRAI's orders, regulations, and directions. The Department has also highlighted that the mobile services sector has seen significant growth and investment in the latest technologies like 5G, resulting in a significant increase in median mobile speed and improvement in India's international rank.
The Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of subscribers while ensuring orderly growth and financial viability of the sector. The Department of Telecom has urged the public to rely on authentic sources of information and not spread misinformation, which can cause unnecessary panic and confusion.
