4G data war hots up as Vodafone enhances offerings

The war to acquire 4G customers got fiercer on Tuesday as India's second largest telecom company, Vodafone, announced four times more data for its 4G customers to celebrate the milestone of acquiring 200 million customers in the country.

Customers who purchase a 1GB data pack at Rs250 will now be getting 4GB data for 28 days. Those who purchase a data pack for Rs999 would get 22 GB 4G data as against the previous 10 GB - though the charges for the SuperNet 4G pack may differ in different circles.

Sandeep Kataria, chief commercial officer of Vodafone India, said, "Our customers are consuming more of content and video online. With these super rich data packs, our rapidly growing base of 4G customers across 17 circles can enjoy much more of mobile internet while remaining confidently connected on Vodafone SuperNetTM  4G. It will also encourage first time and limited users of mobile internet to explore more by providing greater value.  They can access four times more of their favorite content online for the same cost in a truly worry free manner."

The company had recently launched its SuperHour scheme under which it offered unlimited 3G or 4G data for one hour at Rs16 to its prepaid customers. Vodafone also offers unlimited local voice calls-within its network for one hour at Rs7.

Last week, Idea had announced 1 GB free data for its 4G prepaid customers in a Rs348 recharge pack, in addition to unlimited voice calling and SMS.

Market leader Airtel, too, has offered free 3GB data every month till 31 December 2017 with select prepaid and postpaid packs for its existing as well as new 4G customers.

The tariff war in the 4G data category began in September last year when Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance JIo launched its 4G services with unlimited voice and data calls under a trial plan. Reliance Jio is offering unlimited calls and 1 GB free data per day till 31 March 2017.