One of the biggest reasons why 3G has not really taken off in India even after close to 2 years is because of sky-high prices. 3G prices are currently atleast 5 times higher than normal 2g connections. From Telecom Operator’s point of view, it is very difficult for them to bring down prices due to the huge amount spent in buying the spectrum and creating the infrastructure.
Aircel though seems to have taken first step in making 3g affordable for the masses. The have launched “Aircel Pocket Internet Smart” 3g plans, which are quite affordable. Three years back, Aircel had launched their pocket internet data plans which truly changed the way mobile internet was perceived and consumed.
Pocket Internet Smart will offer Aircel consumers unlimited 3G. Also, these plans will have no differentiation between 3G & 2G. the same rates will be applicable for both, so if the device is 3G enabled, consumer will be able to use 3g if not it will use 2G. This will help provide convenience to consumers while choosing same plan across devices – mobiles, tablets and dongles.
The 3G plans are unlimited, however, there is a Fair Usage Policy, after which the speed comes down to 128 kbps. The good part though is FUP is quite generous for a mobile user and cost is affordable.
Aircel Pocket Internet Smart Offering:
Price |
Validity |
High Speed Data |
Data Transfer on 3G & 2G network in Validity |
High Speed Pre – FuP |
Speed post FUP |
7 |
1 |
50 MB |
Unlimited |
3.6 Mbps |
128 kbps |
18 |
3 |
100 MB |
Unlimited |
3.6 Mbps |
128 kbps |
37 |
7 |
200 MB |
Unlimited |
3.6 Mbps |
128 kbps |
67 |
15 |
250 MB |
Unlimited |
3.6 Mbps |
128 kbps |
128 |
30 |
500 MB |
Unlimited |
3.6 Mbps |
128 kbps |
198 |
30 |
1 GB |
Unlimited |
3.6 Mbps |
128 kbps |
399 |
30 |
2 GB |
Unlimited |
3.6 Mbps |
128 kbps |
697 |
30 |
5 GB |
Unlimited |
7.2 Mbps |
128 kbps |
997 |
30 |
10 GB |
Unlimited |
7.2 Mbps |
128 kbps |
Overall, looks like 3G prices are on their way down – I am sure other telecom providers will take suit from Aircel and bring down their 3G prices as well.