Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Mobile Recharge Plans, Zentro Internet, Reliance Telecom, among others.
No More 28-Day Trick? TRAI Cracks Down on Mobile Recharge Plans
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is moving to end the widely criticized 28-day mobile recharge plans offered by telecom operators. These plans effectively make users pay for 13 recharges in a year instead of 12, sparking concerns over unfair pricing. The issue has also been raised in Parliament, where questions were asked about the transparency of such billing practices. Many consumers argue that reducing a standard month to 28 days leads to hidden extra costs. Meanwhile, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) continues to provide plans with full one-month validity, highlighting the contrast in industry practices.
Broadband Boom: Zentro Lands $240 mn Deal to Accelerate High-Speed Expansion
Zentro Internet has closed its inaugural $240 million asset-backed securitization (ABS), marking one of the largest financings in the multifamily broadband sector. The deal, backed by investment-grade ratings, saw strong demand from institutional investors and was oversubscribed. The issuance includes Class A-2 and Class B notes at fixed rates, helping improve the company’s cost structure and financial flexibility. Backed by M|C Partners, Zentro plans to use the proceeds to accelerate expansion of its high-speed, multi-gig internet services across major U.S. metropolitan markets, strengthening its position in the growing multifamily connectivity space.
CBI Raids Reliance Telecom in ₹115 Crore SBI Fraud Probe
India’s Central Bureau of Investigation has conducted searches in Mumbai at premises linked to Reliance Telecom and its former directors over an alleged ₹114.98 crore fraud involving State Bank of India. The agency registered a FIR against ex-directors Satish Seth and Gautam B. Doshi, along with unidentified officials, on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and misconduct. The case originates from an SBI complaint over losses tied to a ₹735 crore loan sanctioned by a consortium of 11 banks, raising concerns about alleged diversion and misuse of funds.
SHAFANA FAZAL