After a series of 2G and 3G data rates cut over several months, major Indian telecom operators are back with raising their tariff rates on 2G mobile internet packs. This time by more than 40 percent and reducing validity of several plans, thus downgrading the benefits offered in the 2G data packs. Most of the telecom operators have axed the popular 1GB per month data plan by reducing the data benefits and validity, instead they are now offering hiked new 2G data plan for the 1GB per month benefit.
Vodafone India raised 2G Data Rates
It all started with Indian’s second largest telecom operator Vodafone India raising the 2G data rates for prepaid customers by downgrading its existing 1GB per month data plan it was offering for Rs 125 and now offers only 625MB data usage with a reduced validity of 25 days. In addition they have introduced a new 2G mobile internet plan for Rs 155 which offers 1GB (1024MB) 2G data usage with a validity of 30 days.
The new 2G data packs are now active on several telecom circles including Karnataka, Mumbai and Delhi, but it will be soon extended to other circles pan India by the end of October 2013.
Bharti Airtel raised 2G Mobile Internet
Following its competitor, India’s top telecom operator Bharti Airtel also raised their 2G mobile internet packs for prepaid customers by around 40 percent. Airtel has completely removed their 1GB per month mobile internet plan and now for Rs 125 mobile internet plan subscribers get only 625 MB of 2G data usage with a validity of 25 days. In addition with the Rs 149 mobile internet plan customers will get 625MB of 2G data usage with 250 free SMS for a period of 25 days. For customers looking for higher data use, customers need to recharge for Rs 199 mobile internet plan where they will get 2GB of data usage with a validity of 30 days. Airtel is also except to introduce the new Rs 155 mobile internet plan which will offer customers with 1GB 2G data usage with a validity of 30 days.
The new 2G mobile internet plans are now active in Karnataka telecom circle, but it will be soon extended to other circles pan India by the end of October 2013.
Idea Cellular raised 2G Mobile Internet
How can other telecom operators not respond to the changing environment, Idea Cellular has also raised their 2G mobile internet plans for prepaid customers by downgrading its existing 1GB per month data plan it was offering for Rs 126 and now only offer 625MB data usage with a reduced validity of 25 days. As a replace they have introduced a new 2G mobile internet plan for Rs 155 which offers 1GB (1024MB) 2G data usage with a validity of 30 days.
The new 2G mobile internet plans are now active in Gujarat telecom circle, but it will be soon extended to other circles pan India by the first week of October 2013.