Idea Cellular on Tuesday announced up to 70 per cent reduction in 3G tariffs. Idea prepaid and postpaid customers will now pay 3 paise per 10 KB of data compared to earlier levels of 10 paise per 10 KB.
This comes a few days after market leader Airtel announced a similar cut in 3G tariffs. 3G mobile services have not seen much demand due to high tariffs. But with operators' profits declining over the past one year, they are look to drive up data usage by offering it cheaper.
“The new tariff plan aims to make internet usage within the reach of rural, mid town customers at home and will help first time users to experience the benefits of 3G. Idea's objective is to drive mobile internet usage for the mass market,” the operator said. Other players are expected to follow suit over the next week.
To cater to different consumer segments, Idea has launched its new pricing in sachet packs, regular packs and unlimited packs. Idea's new sachet pack of Rs 10 will now offer 30 minutes of high speed internet surfing. Idea has also unveiled “HERO-25” a new sachet pack which will give 100 MB data with 3 days validity at Rs 25.
For regular home & SoHo internet users, Idea now offers 1GB of data download at Rs 250.