GSM operator Vodafone India has slashed data charges by 80 per cent for 2G subscribers with immediate effect across three circles in the country.

The company would extend the rate cut to the remaining circles in a phased manner.

This rate would be applicable for all pre-paid and post-paid customers using 2G network on a ‘pay as you go’ basis.

The rate cut to 2 paise from the earlier 10 paise per 10 KB would make Internet access affordable for customers who use mobile Internet in a limited way, the company said in a statement.

At present, the new rates are applicable in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh (West) and Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh circles and will be rolled out nationally in a phased manner.

“The overall Internet penetration in India is low while the mobile penetration is high. Most consumers will discover the power of the Internet via the mobile,” Vodafone India Chief Commercial Officer Vivek Mathur said.

“We, at Vodafone, want to accelerate mobile Internet adoption through penetration, consumption and value-addition. This 80 per cent reduction in data charges for customers using 2G network is an important step in this direction and we are confident that this move will facilitate faster adoption and better usage,” Mathur said.

Explaining the rationale behind this move, Apoorva Mehrotra, Business Head-Karnataka, Vodafone India, said: “With users using Internet on their mobile phones, reducing the charges would help in faster adoption."

Further, to drive this adoption, Vodafone India is also building content partnerships, simplifying pricing, educating retailers and offering choice to customers on the basis of their interests and consumption patterns.

>rajesh.kurup@thehindu.co.in

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