Because of Reliance Jio’s entry into the market, Airtel has been trying to retain its customers, instead of attracting new ones, by launching some exciting schemes. Mostly for prepaid customers, Airtel launched the 15GB data scheme and dirt cheap Rs. 51 for 1GB 3G/4G pack.
This time, Airtel has launched another similar pack that offers 2GB data on 3G/4G networks for just Rs.153. Unlike other packs from Bharti Airtel, this one does not come with any terms and conditions, and the customers will straightaway get the said data at the said price.
According to Airtel, this pack is available to only a specific group of customers in the larger circles in India. Even now Reliance Jio might be cheaper, but Airtel has proven to offer higher speeds and much more reliable and stable connectivity.
Just to benchmark these prices with Airtel’s previous tariffs, Bharti Airtel used to offer 1GB 2G data for Rs. 249, so this is a massive drop for the company and something exciting for the customers as well.
On the other hand, Reliance Jio is offering slightly lower prices till December 2016, post which the prices will be normalized and will match with that of Airtel and Vodafone. Considering that this special offer is also only limited to select customers, it shows that Airtel is not fully ready to reduce the tariffs of its prepaid plans.
How do other telcos fare against this offer?
Vodafone and Idea Cellular, that are restricted to specific circles in India, also have similar offers. Idea Cellular is offering 4GB 4G data for Rs. 247 and 2GB 4G data for Rs. 148, which comes out to be cheaper than Airtel. These offers are available to everyone right now, on a promotional basis.
Vodafone does not have anything similar right now, and being a global company it must do something to retain its hold in India. Their 2GB, 3GB and 4GB 4G packs still cost upwards of Rs. 250 and cannot sustain against Jio and Airtel.
One must note that the tariffs in different circles are different, so while Delhi-NCR might get 2GB of 3G/4G data from Airtel at Rs. 153, another state might be getting the same pack for Rs. 120 or even lesser. There is pricing disparity in India, but then not every state has the same packs either.
These promotional offers will continue to make their way till the end of 2016, so if you have received an SMS from your operator, you better make the best out of it. From the beginning of 2017, the telecom sector will get a little lax and you might not get the same value for money offers then.
Source: TelecomTalk
