After BSNL’s master game plan to encounter Jio, India’s leading telecom operator Airtel, has gone into the offensive mode and announced its unlimited 4G data plan for its existing prepaid 4G subscribers at just Rs. 1,495. New Airtel customers can also get this pack with a first time recharge of Rs. 1,494.
This unlimited 4G data pack is currently available only in the Delhi NCR circle but will be launched across the rest of India soon.
“Customers with 4G handsets generally consume large amounts of data and this proposition is specifically aimed at them,” said Ajay Puri, Director- Operations, Airtel India & South Asia.
It is good to know that Airtel acknowledges the high amount of data used by the 4G users and hence has launched this pack so they can stay online 24×7 without the fear of exhausting their data limit. However, as we all know this can’t be unlimited high-speed 4G data, right? We all know Airtel for years now.
Here Is The Catch!
Just like all data packs, this 4G data offer will also have Fair Usage Policy (FUP) in place so you can’t download peta bytes of data off the internet and congest Airtel’s network. Well, I am joking.
Firstly, you would only get 30 GB high-speed 4G data for Rs. 1,495 valid for 90 days and secondly, the speed will be capped to 64 Kbps post the exhaustion of the 30 GB data.
While I understand the need for FUP, what I don’t understand is why these telecom operators cap the speed to dial-up era speed of 64 Kbps! It is useless and frustrating to browse at such low speeds and that too on a wireless connection. It just doesn’t make any sense.
Why Jio Welcome Offer Is Better?
You also avail unlimited 4G data benefit under the ‘Jio Welcome Offer’ valid till 31 December 2016. All you need to have is a 4G phone and you’re good to go. You don’t have to pay even a single rupee for availing this benefit.
Jio has also put a FUP in place which restricts high-speed data usage to 4GB/ day, post which you’ll still be able to browse at 128 Kbps.
This is way better than Airtel’s 90-day data offer. Jio is facing severe failed calls over the last couple of weeks due to spat with Airtel, Vodafone, and Idea. But hopefully the telcos would resolve this soon.
And yes, Jio 4G data speeds have drastically reduced in recent times, but hey this is a test period and it costs you nothing…
If you are still planning to opt for Airtel’s ‘Free data offer’ then please share your reasons with us. Is it because of Jio’s coverage or the failed calls issue?
Check out this video for more…