Jio customers, who were looking to extend their plans at existing tariffs before the higher rates kick in, were in for a surprise as two popular plans from the telecom major were no longer available.

Many users were looking to recharge these plans in advance and queue them up for future activation following the expiry of their ongoing plans.

Users took to social media to point out that two plans ₹395 (84 days validity with 6GB of data) and ₹1,559 (336 days validity with 24 GB of data) have been withdrawn before July 3, when the higher tariffs come into effect.

The telecom firm has replied to the users confirming that the plans have been delisted and are no longer available to recharge with.

On June 27, telecom major Jio announced an increase in tariff rates in the range of 12-27 per cent across plans following the completion of the spectrum auction. Jio’s competitors Airtel and Vodafone Idea have also increased their tariff rates.

The increase in tariffs is expected to boost the average revenue per user (ARPU) and improve the financial health of the three telecom operators in the country.

GST on spectrum

The telecom department is expected to send a formal communication this week to the telecom players to pay for the spectrum acquired in the auction — along with 18 per cent GST.

The operators will have to pay goods and services tax (GST) on spectrum, based on their payment schedule, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has said in a circular.

In cases of full upfront payment, GST would be collected when the sum is paid or due, whichever is earlier, the CBIC said.

In deferred payments, also, GST would be collected when the instalment is paid or due,
whichever is earlier.

At its meeting on June 22, the GST Council had decided a clarification would be made.

The CBIC said it had received representations from the trade and its officers seeking clarification regarding the time of supply for payment of GST in cases where the successful bidder for spectrum allocation opts for making payments in instalments.

The auction — lasted for two days spanning seven rounds this time around — witnessed the sale of 141.4Mhz of radio waves for ₹11,340.78 crore. In all, 10,500Mhz of radiowaves used for mobile services worth over ₹96,238 crore were placed on the block during the auction that started on June 25.