[Post updated with 2015 Rates]
With the demand of 3G plans from the smartphone users, the telecom operators give exciting discount offers for many. If you have already read our 2012, 2013 and 2014 comparison plans of 3G packs, you would be surprised to know the telecom operator offering the cheapest offer in 2015.
If you are really excited to know the best 3G data plan for this year, you can have a look at the comparison table at the end of the post.
Note: We have compared standard plans and not taken into consideration special data plans as all telecom operators charge them differently. Also, we have taken into consideration Pre-paid plans only as over 95% of Indians use those connections.
At the end of the post, we have also shown a table comparing the most popular 1GB 3G data plan for each provider.
Contents
Idea 3G Plans:
The 3G packs haven’t changed much as compared to the last year. There is a difference of just 2 or 3 rupees in the smaller 3G packs. Here is the list of 3G packs if you are planning to use the internet just for few days or a week.
And if you are looking forward to use the Idea internet for more than a week or even for 3 months, you must have a glimpse at the below-given table. 1GB 3G pack remains the same as compared to the last year which is 249/-
Check it more about the unlimited packs and other 3G offers right here!
Vodafone 3G Plans:
Vodafone 3G plan of 1GB is just 2 rupees costlier than the Idea. The cost for 1GB 3G plan for Vodafone is 251. There is no major change seen in this year’s Vodafone 3G plans.
One-day 3G plan rate was increased from 14 to 26 and the data was reduced from 50MB to just 25MB. This was a real hike by Vodafone under the category of daily plans. The 5GB 3G pack costs you 1252 which is valid for 56 days.
If you want to know more about the Vodafone 3G and 2G packs, you can check them here!
Airtel 3G Data Plans
Airtel is one of the trusted networks and used by many people. And the reason is the network spread all over the country. All the telecom operators mostly have changed the validity to 28 days, but Airtel didn’t change it. The validity for the 3G packs is still 30 days as similar to the last year.
The price for 1GB 3G pack is 249 which is equal to Idea 1GB 3G pack.
Reliance 3G Data Packs:
Reliance is slowly falling down in terms of number of users in most of the states. The Indian telecom operator offers various data packs at cheap rates to give users more data at cheap prices. However, recently they have introduced CDMA based Pro 3 EVDO Rev b plans that offer much better internet speeds and are available at extremely low rates. Have a look at this chart.
However, please note, these Reliance plans are CDMA based and not GSM, so it cannot be compared to other GSM plans that we have listed down.
For GSM, their rates vastly differ from state to state, but on an average their 3G plans cost around Rs. 150 for 1GB for 30days (you can check out the data plans from Reliance from 2014 below)
Tata Docomo 3G Data Packs:
Tata Docomo has slowly increased the user base by its cheap offers. Especially, in Gujarat, the offers are very cheap for 3G packs, somewhere around Rs. 150 for 1GB. The rates might vary in different states. But here is the screenshot which will give you a clear idea about the 3G data packs of Tata Docomo.
In fact if any thing Tata Docomo 3G Data Pack rates have only gone up compared to last year.
BSNL 3G Data Packs:
It seems like the BSNL is trying to give the best out of the 3G packs for its customers all over the country. The telecom operator gives 1GB data pack at 3 different prices with respect to the change in validity days. Have a look at the data packs offered by the company.
Aircel 3G Data Packs:
Aircel, which is mostly used by the people in South India, has some exciting offers for its regular customers. Right from its 3 day plan which gives 100MB of data at just 17 and 90 days plan which gives 4GB of 3G data at 699, each and every data pack gives you something extra when you recharge your prepaid number.
MTNL 3G Data Packs:
As there aren’t many using MTNL in India, the rates are always going to be low to attract more customers. MTNL with charges of just 175/- for 1GB data pack which is most probably cheapest of all the telecom operators. Here is the full list of various offers from MTNL:
1GB 3G Plan Comparison
Your search for the best 3G data pack ends here. We have analysed various rates of the telecom operators all over the India to make sure that you get the cheapest of all. Here is the comparison for 1GB 3G data pack.
From the above image, it is quite clear that Aircel, BSNL and MTNL provides the cheapest 3G data pack for 1GB. But their network and infrastructure may not be at par with Airtel, Idea and Vodafone and their 3G speeds are generally lower and that’s the reason why they offer such cheap offers.
[divider]The Below Comparison is from 2014 kept for historical reference
[divider][Post Updated with BSNL & MTNL plans at the end ; they were not published earlier.]
If you have been following us over past few years, you would know that we have been covering 3G data plans, since 2012 when 3G actually started in most part of the countries. Here is our previous coverage for 2012 and 2013.
As rates have tumbled down further, we take a quick look at the 3G data plan rates as they stand today.
Idea 3G Plans
From a mere Rs 103 for 300 MB valid for 30 days to Rs 2499 for 12 GB valid for 90 days, Idea has schemes to fit all pockets. The most popular 1 GB plan is for Rs 249.
The charges after free usage are a nominal 2p/10kb. For the ones who never get tired surfing, there are unlimited packs too ranging from Rs 651 till Rs 1501, with the Fair Usage Policy (read: speed of 80Kbps) kicking in after 3 GB and 11 GB respectively.
There is also a special rate cutter available for Rs 56 with a rate of 1p/10kb, valid for 30 days.
you can find more information on Idea 3G data plans here.
Vodafone 3G Data Plans
We were amongst the first to inform you about Vodafone’s Diwali bonanza. Going by the rates they are offering, the bonanza still continues.
With daily usage packs from Rs 14 for a 50 MB benefit to a 5 days pack of 150 MB for Rs 44, Vodafone caters to one and all. The monthly packs are from Rs 102 for 300 MB and ranges up to Rs 1501 for 10 GB. Plus there are 60 days packs too.
However, their most popular pack remains at 1 GB is at Rs 251.
More Information on Vodafone 3G plans here.
Airtel 3G Data Plans
For India’s largest network (and Mumbai’s also, post the Loop acquisition), the 3G rates start at Rs 45 for a weekly validity of 150 MB. The monthly plans start at Rs 102 for 300 MB and go up to Rs 1499 for 10 GB.
Again, the most popular 1 GB plan is priced at Rs 249.
More information on Airtel 3G data plans here.
Reliance 3G Rate Plans
The best of the lot (from price perspective) seems to be Reliance.
In spite of increasing rates recently, they are still quite cheaper than others. From Rs 123 for 400 MB to Rs 492 for 3 GB, the prices are considerably lesser than others.
The most popular plan of 1 GB is also priced at just Rs 156, nearly 100 Rs cheaper than its counterparts!
Also, the data charges beyond free usage are also 0.3p/10kb, way lesser than the 2p/10kb others offer. (If you feel you don’t bother about a paisa or two, try multiplying it by a couple of thousands when you download large apps and see the difference in the amount).
More information of Reliance 3G Data plans here.
Tata Docomo 3G Data Plans
Although not available across India, Tata Docomo plans are quite a deal to use. With plans as cheap as Rs 9 for 30 MB valid for one day to Rs 450 which gives 3.5 GB valid for a month, Docomo plans are the best out of the lot.
At just Rs 126, the most popular plan of 1 GB is the cheapest among all other operators. But there is a caveat, if you go over your limit, the rates are highest among all other providers at 10p/10kb.
More Information on Tata Docomo 3G Data plans here
Aircel 3G Data Plans
Just like Docomo, Aircel 3G is not available in all the cities. However, Aircel 3G rates are as competitively priced. From Rs 7 for a one day pack of 25 MB to a 997 unlimited monthly pack of 10 GB, Aircel has offers suiting everyone’s pockets.
Again, the the most popular plan of 1 GB is at Rs 128 only.
More information on Aircel 3G Data plans here.
BSNL 3G Data Plans
We had not previously included BSNL, but a lot of readers asked us to include, so here we go. BSNL 3G and 2G data plans have same pricing and quite cheap at that.
Their pre-paid plans start from Rs. 17 for 100mb free usage with a validity of 3 days. The have range of plans from 100mb all the way upto 20GB which costs Rs. 1949 and have a validity of 60 days. The overage charges also cost just 2p/10kb, which are the lowest.
BSNL’s most popular 1GB plan costs Rs. 139 with a validity of 30 days.
There is no doubt that purely from pricing perspective their plans are the best of the lot. Even their coverage is quite good, especially in the interiors and hinterland of India.
More Information on BSNL 3G Data Plans here.
MTNL 3G Data Plans
Before going into MTNL plans, you will need to keep in mind that MTNL is available only in Mumbai and Delhi. Interestingly MTNL has slightly different plans than other providers.
They have special Data packs that start from Rs. 22 for 150mb of data with a validity of 1 day and their standard plans to all the way upto 50GB for Rs 4999, with a validity of 365 days.
Their most popular plan we presume is 2GB plan which costs Rs. 299 with a validity of 30 days. They also have a 800mb plan, but it has a validity of 15 days and costs Rs. 126. Like BSNL, their overage charges are 2p/10KB.
More Information on MTNL 3G Data plans here.
1GB 3G plan Comparison
The comparison of 3G rates throws out an interesting trend. The bigger and larger providers who operate Pan-India and have larger subscriber base actually have higher 3G rates. On the other hand, the smaller ones (except Reliance), charge nearly half of what the bigger ones charge.
If you go to compare on price factor alone, obviously Tata Docomo and Aircel come out the winners. However, one has to keep in mind that unlike Airtel, Idea, Reliance and Vodafone, they do not coverage in many cities.
Overall, in our opinion Reliance & BSNL offer the best 3G plan followed by Aircel.
Would love to know your thoughts on this comparison – Do let us know in comments.
Nice post for plans comparison.
Don’t miss the big opportunity for you to get it
Good informasion
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Hi! Nice article. It would be better if you could include the actual speeds offered as well. For example BSNL 3G dongle gives 3.1 Mbps and vodafone gives 21 Mbps. I would be happy if you could include the actual speeds available say 1km from the nearest tower…
Plans are already changed and all the companies have already hiked their data rates, because the data uses is in demand and the new generation need more!
I have used BSNL, Aircel, Airtel, Vodafone and Reliance. But out of all settled for Aircel and it’s really good at speed and pricing. They doesn’t cheat on data and their data packs work on both dongle and mobile. This is not the case with other networks. 3G prices sky rocket these days. 4G? keep dreaming…
You should look at Pakistani data prices. Be prepared to get a heart attack. Literally 60% cheaper price and much longer standard validity. That too in 4G LTE.
Vodafone worst service and worst customer care. I will port my number to some other operator. Fake offers, and very pathetic.
i don’t know why all internet services are very high price in only india? compared by other countries.
i think this is very bad thing for india.
because india’s youth wants more technology.
and more connected to world
because, We are all now connected by the Internet, like neurons in a giant brain.
indian telecommunication very very poor. world telecom going on 4g 5g but not get 2g more area….. (internet service 20 year behind running now )
always bsnl is the best.it is govt organisation.1 gb means exactly it gives 1 gb not like other private operaters.bsnl is everywher in the county along the highways and railway lines but you cant find the private operators service .
comparison is very good but still confused which to use while watching the replies still the comparison of speed, price charged, future changes in price charge, with price of recharge
I am using Vodafone 3G net (251 rs) but it become 2G in noida sec 56. I called to customer care they just told me sorry withoug giving any proper response and asked me to wait for 3 months for its resoultion and given me the option to get it deactivated. Really Very bad response of customer care and from Vodaofone too (it mean i am paying 251 rs for 2G net pack instead of 3G).
aap bsnl ko use kare yar q ki jobi ho ye company hamara bharat ka hain or vo low Rs me achhe plans bhi de rahi he
BSNL 3G SPEED AND 1GB NET FOR 68 ONLIY
It was very generous of you for doing this comparison.
But i would like to request to update the article as Aircel has hiked the price of its 3G/2G data plans since 4th of August 2015.
Reliance is a 3rd class networks provider personal experience. .bas bad n bad network….vodafone is the best of all above mention. ..Vodafone bap of all
Worst customer service though
I personally have been using reliance 3 g for the last 2 years. The last five months the quality has.deteriorated very badly and my Vodafone 3 g is.at least 4 times faster and more usable at present. I don’t think anyone should take on reliance 3 g at this time
I used Vodafone 3g internet service is best as compared to Tatadocoma,Airtel and Idea internet provider.
2G scam is responsible for all data price hike……. Otherwise, 4G would have been available all over India.
Comparison was good, but next time please consider quality of 3g speed and area coverage too.
i think i have use all networks 3g services but best 3g network is form vodafone comparing to airtel and idea vodafone gives the best 3g network in india
Currently i am using MTS dongle its scheme will expire within few days . Now which dongle or intrernet scheme will be cost effective 3G speed. On what basis should i select a internet scheme can anyone give some advise to me
You can renew current MTS data. or better you just buy new WIFI Datacard @ 1200INR Only. You will get 20GB Extra Data with new datacard. and also you can carry forward your balanced data on next month.
Contact me 9137021887 for more details and for buy dongle.
From a few days i used the tata docomo 3g internet. This network is very poor.
Amit
Airtel is advertising on TVs and many other locations about 4G internet
But on checking Airtel Web page could not find any plans for 4G.
When the world is going ahead into 5G we are still struggling with the 3G internet services.
This is India man.4G is still some advance alien technology here and you are talking about 5G… lol
AIRCEL best and reliable 2g I hope it starts operation in every circle..
I am getting 66- 1 GB in aircel isn’t that cool!!
finally we came on conclusion that reliance is giving cheapest and best plans….
i had recently bought bsnl sim specially for 3g/2g mobile data connection, but one trip from ap to maharashtra and the connectivity was so lousy, my recharge for 3 days was utter waste, as it could not get cpnnected majortiily
Is this plan can be used in Mobile and Dongal ( Laptop )
Most of the 3g operators provide internet for both Mobiles and Dongles separately with different plans.
But Yes!! you can use airtel, vodafone mobile data for both Mobiles and Dongles unlike 3g operators like reliance, idea whom may void your 3g mobile plan if used for dongle.
*Always do read the “Terms & Conditions” before using cheap data plans.
–E.Tech Guru
[…] Update: We have published a new article comparing the 3G Data plans of various mobile operators for 2014. […]
Well presented a difference, most useful link.
it helped a lot.
Thanks
Echoing what Ajay Kumar said. I came here looking for information on the quality of the services but good job on the well presented price comparisons anyway.
This article is more like an advertisement….there is no comparison of speed and service.
If I had to look into the details of prices and plans I would go to the company’s website.
Not useful for me…..No offence….just my views to help you modify the content…just in case u agree.
[…] Suggested Reading: 3G Data Plans Comparison 2014: Idea vs Vodafone vs Airtel vs Reliance Vs Tata Docomo Vs Aircel Vs BS… […]
[…] did a comprehensive 3G data plan rate comparison last month and while relatively smaller operators like Tata, Aircel and BSNL has lower plans, the […]
I used idea,vodafone,airtel,bsnl,tata docomo to compare their internet.
And I select idea because it has more network ,fast speed ,
Vodafone and airtel is behind
And docomo and bsnl just cheap but poor network .
no owlu banaing.. no ulu banaing
BSNL has a 1 GB plan for 139 bucks.
Nice and detailed comparison.
Hey,
I am currently on Post Paid Plan which gives me 1 GB Free 3G Internet and Few Local Call Minutes. It is somewhere Rs. 399 Per Month. But is there any other plan too which is better and best value?
Thanks!
Reliance is not cheap for Dongles as user has to pay Rs 255 for 1 GB 3G data for 30 days.
Tata docomo is increasing its rate every month. Not good if you want to use it.
[…] 3G Data Plans Comparison 2014: Idea vs Vodafone vs Airtel vs Reliance Vs Tata Docomo Vs Aircel […]
I just did 3G recharge for Airtel 1GB, 3G for 127rs, but for 4 weeks only.
Like it is mentioned in the article, we have not considered special recharges, as they change from time to time. Only standard mobile internet plans were considered.
What about quality of service?