It seems telecom operators are engaging in a healthy price war on mobile internet data charges, starting with Vodafone India slashing 2G mobile internet data charges by 80%, closely followed by Bharti Airtel slashing its 2G data charges by around 90%. It seems India’s fourth largest telecom operator Idea Cellular doesn’t want to back out from the race, it has also cut the 2G mobile internet data rates by around 90 % for both prepaid and postpaid customers in eight telecom circle.
The new reduced data rates is applicable to all prepaid and postpaid data users, who are used to access 2G mobile internet on pay-as-you-go basis, and also on the regular 2G data packs. Users browsing internet will be now charged 2paise per 10 KB as opposed to the earlier 2G data rates of 20paise per 10 KB. For customers using regular 2G data packs, they now need only to pay the reduced data charges on post free usage.
Idea has offered this reduced data rates as a promotion offer to its subscribers with a validity for 90 days. Prepaid subscribers need to do nominal value recharge priced between Rs 5-10 to avail this promotion and for postpaid customer this new data rates will be automatically implemented with effect from July 1, 2013.
“Mobile communication is expected to be on the upswing with the onset of a good Monsoon in India. Idea’s new data tariff starting July 1st will continue for the entire duration of the season enabling users to explore the world of internet, gaming and social networking.” commented Lakshminarayana, COO-Corporate, Idea Cellular.
The new 2G data rates are active in the eight telecom circles which are Tamil Nadu and Chennai, Karnataka, Kolkata, West Bengal, Assam, North East, Bihar, and Orissa.