Airtel Challenges Jio By Launching Unlimited Voice-on-Net Call Plan For Rs 148; Aircel, Tata DoCoMo Slashes 3G Data Tariff

Even as we are debating the legality of Jio’s free voice call offer, the ripple effect caused by their entry into Indian telecom sector is refusing to subside. Jio’s biggest competitor Airtel has decided to counter their ‘free voice calls’ heads-on, by launching a similar plan for pre-paid customers.

Meanwhile, Aircel, Tata DoCoMo have reduced their 3G data charges substantially to retain their customers.

Airtel’s Free Voice Calls Offers For Pre-Paid Customers

Jio’s minimum monthly plan for free unlimited voice calls start at Rs 149.

Airtel is planning to counter this very plan by launching a similarly powerful product, and this can have some serious traction in coming days. Tentatively priced Rs 148 for a month, Airtel’s new pack offers unlimited Internet based voice calling.

Now, Jio is also offering unlimited Internet for Rs 149, which Airtel isn’t matching yet. Airtel has cleverly decided to target only those customers, who can shift base due to ‘unlimited voice calling’, and in this aspect, their new pack is on the mark.

Airtel is not leaving any stone unturned to counter Jio’s tsunami by offering specially customized plans and packs since last two months.

They have just launched their 100 Mbps broadband service; offered unlimited 4G data for 3 months (which turned out not so free after all) and even offered Rs 51 1GB pack for 3G data.

Their new Rs 148 pack for unlimited calling using Internet is their latest salvo in countering Jio’s too-good-to-be-true plans.

Aircel, Tata DoCoMo Slash 3G Data Rates

Meanwhile, Aircel and Tata DoCoMo has decided to lower their 3G data costs in order to retain their own customers. This new reduction in data tariff is a direct result of the Jio effect.

A plan somewhat inspired by Airtel, Aircel has decided to top up 1 GB of 3G data, for only Rs 24, with a validity of 28 months. However, first, the user needs to recharge an amount of Rs 329, which will provide 2GB data for 28 days.

Within these 28 days, the user can do unlimited top-ups of Rs 24 for 1 GB.

This offer has been launched in these circles: Chennai, Tamil Nadu Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Kolkata, West Bengal, Assam, North East, Bihar & Jharkhand, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.

On the other hand, Tata DoCoMo released a new list of revised rates, applicable only for Maharashtra circle as of now. 3G data price has been drastically reduced in the new revised rate list.

DoCoMo customers can now get 2GB of 3G data for Rs 198, while 3GB will cost Rs Rs 298. Various combo-packs have also been launched, which includes both data and voice. For instance, their new Rs 499 pack provides Rs 300 of talk time, and 4GB of 3G data (with 2GB in night), valid for 56 days.

Sources: TelecomTalk, Medianama