Earlier Situation
Jii gave unlimited calls, had to pay good amount in form IUC charges to other operators. Data again was provided at very low rates again causing revenue downfall. They went to TDSAT to scrap IUC but did not happen and transffered burden to customers , incase of data too plan prices were revised.
Other operators tried to match their plan / benefits offered with those of Jio for last few years but eventually the recent tax case brought situation to alarming level thus again prompting to take measures to brinng in more revenue. Both airtel & vodafone decided to increase plan charges, maybe Jio was also brought into loop for this.
Present Situation
Jio is stil giving unlimited calls + data at lowest price but IUC has caused disappointment among users. They will surely find ways to maintain a good revenue rather than give more freebies. I think they will bring rates on par with others and then scrap IUC
Airtel / Vodafone again will get some earning from IUC charges but things might not be same as before, 2 reasons for this... One is obviously Jio imposing IUC which will lead to minor downfall in outgoing calls from their network and airtel/vodafone will see more calls originating from their network thus becoming IUC payers. Also they r under pressure to search for funds bcoz of pending tax arrears apart from regular operations. Foreign Funding permission also being sought by airtel to take care of expenses
I think we should be ready for another jump in prices and most likely it will again be an uniform decision. All operators have understood that they cannot lose more money in trying to fend off others and now on a healthy competition model will be adopted.
If VOWIFi is brought in then IUC charges will still be applicable on calls made or this may well be key factor for operators in reducing payout. There might b special incentives rolled out for using this option thus directing more traffic to it, it will help take load off network too thus improving connectivity for others