Updated: It seems like Airtel has gone back to old rates on their website. We assume that they are currently in process of updating their servers with new plans. We are not of the opinion that it may be wrongly published. In our view, new rates should start reflecting soon.!
Earlier…[divider]
It looks like Airtel has taken the first step towards sparking yet another price war for 3G internet in India. The largest mobile operator in India, who recently crossed 200 million subscriber milestone, seem to have made significant price cuts to their 3G internet plans.
2014 may be the year when you will see mobile data rates tumbling quite drastically. One, because 4G connectivity has started to slowly take roots in India. Secondly, Reliance Jio are expected to launch their services quite aggressively sparking price wars. Thirdly, the demand for faster internet is higher than ever, so it is slowly becoming a volume game.
We did a comprehensive 3G data plan rate comparison last month and while relatively smaller operators like Tata, Aircel and BSNL has lower plans, the big three of the lot Airtel, Vodafone and Idea all had their plans in higher range (for example 1GB 3G plan was around Rs. 250, compared to others who had it at Rs. 150).
But, now Airtel seems to have lowered it to the level of smaller operators. The standard 1GB plan (30 day validity) which was earlier for Rs. 249, is now priced at Rs. 149, a price-cut of over 40 percent.
Here are the new prices for 3G data plans as they are listed on their website.
The price cuts range from 33 percent to 45 percent. 2.5GB plan gets the maximum price cut of 45%, while the 10 GB plan gets a price cut of 33% equivalent to Rs. 500.
3G plan offering by Other operators
Here is how the 3G data plan comparison chart looks now for all the operators for standard 1GB plan with 30 day validity.
With largest operator making huge cuts, there are sure to changes in the offerings by others as well. Smaller operators will now need to cut their prices further, if they want to attract more customers, otherwise new (and existing) users will obviously run to Airtel.
At the same time the likes of Idea and Vodafone will need to decrease their 3G rates to stay competitive.
I am sure this chart will look very different from what it is looking now 3 to 6 months down the line. What is your take?
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