During a press conference, Congress national spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “How can private cellphone companies holding 92% of cellphone user marker share be permitted to unilaterally increase cellphone tarrifs by an additional Rs. 34,824 crore annually without any oversight or regulation by the Modi govt?"

“Why have the Modi govt and TRAI abdicated their duty and responsibility towards 109 crore cellphone users? Wasn't the increase in cellphone prices withheld till the conclusion of the Parliament elections, as the Modi govt would've been questioned on the justification for burdening 109 crore Indians and fleecing them of an additional Rs. 34,824 crore?”, he asked.

“Did the Modi govt or TRAI conduct any study on the need of capex or import on profitability by purchasing spectrum through auction after taking into account the previous set of concessions granted on AGR (as under the Telecom policy), or the spectrum auction installments deferment by Modi 2.0 on 20th November, 2019, or any other related factors?” the Congress leader asked further.

Congress raised these questions :

• Did Modi government conduct any investigation before putting a burden of about 35 thousand crore rupees on 109 crore cellphone users?

• Did Modi government study the impact of the purchase of spectrum through auction?

• Has Modi government studied the effect of previous concessions given on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR)?

• How can all cell phone companies increase their tariffs by 15-20% while their investment, customer base etc are all different.

• Isn't it true that the Supreme Court had asked the Government of India and TRAI to act like an active partner for the public, not like a sleeping partner?