Airtel drops pre-paid data tariffs, increases data benefits on pre-paid packs by up to 67%

Bharti Airtel, India's largest telecommunications services provider, has effectively reduced pre-paid data tariffs by increasing data benefits on some of its pre-paid data recharge packs.

''At Airtel, we always aim to deliver a great mobile experience and value to our customers. These refreshed data packs will help drive consumption and boost the uptake of mobile internet in the country,'' said Ajai Puri, director–operations (India & South Asia) at Bharti Airtel.

''Given the deepening smartphone penetration and Airtel's roll-out of data networks across India, we believe these packs will also drive affordability and bring new users online,'' he added.

Under the revised data benefits, the Rs655 4G/3G monthly recharge pack will now offer 5 GB data versus 3 GB being provided earlier, a rise of 67 per cent. Similarly, the Rs455 pack 4G/3G pack now offers 50 per cent more data by increasing data benefit to 3 GB from 2 GB.

The Rs989 4G/3G pack will now offer 10 GB data versus 6.5 GB earlier, offering 54 per cent more benefits.  

The Rs25 2G pack now offers 45 per cent more data at 145 MB versus 100 MB earlier, while the Rs145 4G/3G pack now offers 32 per cent more data benefits at 580 MB vs 440 MB earlier. The Rs5 one day 2G data pack benefits have been increased by 48 per cent to 30 MB keeping in mind non-regular and first time users, particularly in rural markets.

Earlier on 15 July, Idea Cellular slashed Internet rates what the Aditya Biral group company termed was an attempt to drive mobile internet penetration and adoption across the country. Idea Cellular will now provide 45 per cent more data benefits on sachet packs below 1 GB on a wide range of 4G/3G/2G sachet data packs priced between Rs 8 and Rs 225.

The 2G data pack priced at Rs19 offering 75 MB data for three days, will now offer 110 MB data for three days, a 45 per cent rise in data offered. This is offered for the same price.

Similarly, a 4G/3G data pack for Rs22, which offers 65 MB data for three  days will now give 90 MB 3G data for three days, a rise of 38 per cent.

''Internet is one of the major drivers of the Indian economy and Digital India. We want to ensure that benefits of Internet are reaped conveniently by every individual, through our innovative, customised and affordable products. This will enable the Internet revolution and its impact to be felt in every part of the country,'' said Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular.

The revised data packs are available across all circles starting 15 July.