Idea reduces data tariff by 90 per cent in 8 circles

Idea Cellular has slashed 2G data tariff by 90 per cent in eight circles across the country, making it the third operator to reduce prices in a span of a week.

The company has reduced data charges to 2 paise per 10 KB, compared with the existing tariff of 2 paise per KB, effective July 1, 2013. The offer would be valid for 90 days, it said in statement.

The reduction is for eight circles Tamil Nadu & Chennai, Karnataka, Kolkata, West Bengal, Assam, North East, Bihar and Orissa for both pre- and post-paid subscribers.

The revised tariff is for users who use on pay-as-you-go basis, and also for regular data packs. The new data rate will be automatically implemented for all Idea 2G post-paid subscribers in these markets, effective 1 July. Idea prepaid users can avail the new rate with a nominal value recharge priced between Rs 5-10, and will be applicable for a period of 90 days from the date of activation.

''Idea has continuously focused at growing data penetration in Tier II and III markets. These 8 circles comprise one-third of the total mobile users in India, with a large number of users waiting to board the mobile broadband wagon. Availability of data at such affordable rates will usher in a new wave of mobile data growth in the country Ambrish Jain, Deputy Managing Director, Idea Cellular said.

Lakshminarayana, COO–Corporate, Idea Cellular said: ''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.''

On Tuesday, Vodafone India slashed 2G data charges by 80 per cent across three circles in the country, and announced plans to extend the same across the remaining 19 circles in a phased manner. With this price cut, Vodafone's 2G data plan is now the cheapest in the country, the company claimed in a statement.

The new rates will currently be applicable in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh (West), Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh circles.

The rate cut to 2 paise per 10 KB from the earlier 10 paise would be applicable for both pre- and post-paid customers and on a 'pay as you go' basis. This would make internet access affordable for customers who use mobile internet in a limited way, it added.

On Wednesday, Bharti Airtel – the country's largest telecom operator - slashed data usage charges by 90 per cent for pre-paid subscribers in Punjab and Haryana.

The company slashed 2G data usage of three denominations to 1 paise per 10 KB from 10 paisa per 10 KB. The recharge vouchers of Rs 22, Rs 25 and Rs 125 come with a free download limit of 125 MB for five days, 150 MB for seven days and 1 GB for 28 days.

The recharge vouchers of Rs22, Rs25 and Rs125 carry a free download limit of 125 MB for five days, 150 MB for seven days and 1 GB for 28 days.