Airtel, Vodafone, Idea hikes 2G data rates by over 25%

While 2G data charges have been hiked, 3G data charges will remain unchanged or might even be reduced.

Three major telecom operators in India - Airtel, Vodafone and Idea - have hiked their 2G data rates across all their major circles. This is the second time in less than a year that the telecom operators have hiked the mobile data tariffs.

All the three telecos are now offering the 1 GB pack, which used to cost Rs 99, for Rs 125 across all their major circles. The 2 GB unlimited pack, offered by both Airtel and Idea, is now priced at Rs 199 against its earlier price of Rs 149. In April 2012, the three operators had also reduced the data cap on the Rs 99 pack from 2 GB to 1 GB in most circles.

However, there is no change in unbundled data usage which continues to be charged at 10 paise per 10 KB.

While 2G data charges have been hiked, 3G data charges will remain unchanged or might even be reduced as 3G adoption has remained dismal in the country. On the other hand, 2G data adoption has increased by almost 300 per cent in the last one year, according to reports.

Airtel Joins Idea Cellular: Blackout Days Extended to Voice Calls Starting 2013

As expected after Idea Cellular, Airtel extends black out days on voice calls along with SMS. It is already shown on Airtel’s website and it says: ‘ On Black Out days all person to person SMS and Voice calls will be charged at normal rates and not at discounted rates’.

On Black out days,No SMS packs benefits will be applicable. Normal SMS rates of Re 1 for local SMS, Rs 1.50 for National SMS and Rs 5 for International SMS and voice call rate of customer tariff plan will apply between 00.00 hrs to 24.00 hr.

Airtel SMS and Voice Black out days 2013

1. 1st January – New year
2. 14th February – Valentine Day
3. 27th March – Holi
4. 3rd November – Diwali
5. 31st December – New year eve

Idea Cellular Extends Black-out Days to Voice Calls too Starting 2013

Aditya Birla promoted Idea Cellular has informed that now voice call rates will be as per with base tariff (ranging from 1.5p/sec to Rs 2/minute) on the Black out days.

As of now most operators charges SMS at base tariff – Re 1 for local and Rs 1.50 for National SMS on the black out days. But it seems Idea Cellular really crossed the limit and extended this anti-consumer policy on voice calls too.

In 2013 Idea will charge for voice and SMS at per base tariff on 1st January, 14th February, 4th August as Friendship day, Diwali – 2nd November and 31st December.

I must say this is really bad move by Idea Cellular, and expecting Airtel and Vodafone will follow soon. TRAI must take care of this as immediately as possible.

Please note it is only applicable for TN, GUJRAT, Bihar, Delhi,UP Circle.