Idea Cellular has dramatically cut its tariffs, with 2G data prices down by up to 90% and 3G reduced by a third.
The price drop is available to new prepaid and postpaid subscribers for the next six months, and is part of a drive to boost mobile broadband penetration. The slashed tariffs bring 3G data roughly in line with 2G rates at 2 paise per 10KB.
In a statement, the operator said: "Over 33 million existing and new data users on the Idea networks can now enjoy reduced data tariffs on their 2G and 3G prepaid and postpaid handsets and dongles.”
"Idea has reduced 2G data tariff by up to 90% across all 22 circles, enabling users to avail 2G data at 2 paise per 10 KB. Idea's 3G users will now be able to save up to 30% on their monthly data charges as the same tariff will also be available across all 10 Idea 3G circles," reads the statement.
The operator holds 3G spectrum in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Goa, and UP West and East.
Idea is not the only operator to have slashed prices – Vodafone India has reduced its rates by 80% nationwide, while Bharti Airtel has also lowered tariffs by 90% in two of its circles.
"The reduction in data tariff is aimed at catalysing data adoption amongst the masses and empowering them with the power of mobile internet at an affordable cost," Idea Cellular deputy managing director Ambrish Jain said.
