Idea Cellular Follows Airtel & Vodafone. Slash Data Rates by 90%

Vodafone was first to slash their 2G data rates 4 days back, Bharti Airtel soon followed and now Idea has slashed its Data Tariffs across eight circles.

Idea Cellular subscribers will now be able to access 2G data at 2 paise per 10 KB – This is 90 percent reduction on the previous rates which were 2 paise per 1 KB. The new rates are applicable to pay as you go plans.

While Idea has slashed rates in 8 circles, Bharti Airtel had announced rate cuts for pre-paid customers in Punjab and Haryana. Vodafone has earlier reduced their charges for pre-paid as well as post-paid customers in three circles.

For Idea users, they will not need to do anything to avail this rates. The new rates will be automatically implemented for all Idea subscribers from effective from July 1^st. The 8 circles where Idea has implemented the data tariff cuts are Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Karnataka, Kolkata, West Bengal, Assam, North East, Bihar, and Orissa.

It is interesting to note that these rate cuts will be valid for 90 days starting from July 1st.

Operator	Per 10 KB Rate	Subscribers	Circles Available
Vodafone	2 Paise	Pay as you Go / Pre-paid	Karnataka, UP West and Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh circles
Bharti Airtel	1 Paisa	Prepaid Customers	Punjab and Haryana circles
Idea	2 Paise	Pre-paid & Post Paid	Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Karnataka, Kolkata, West Bengal, Assam, North East, Bihar, and Orissa circles

With these 3 operators reducing their 2G data tariffs, there is no doubt that Reliance, Aircel, Uninor and others will need to take quick action as well. Even though 3G is now getting popular, majority of users are still prefer 2G because of cheaper rates. With 2G rates now getting lower further, the barrier of entry is going to be that much minimum, especially for new users who want to opt for data services.

Though the announcements by all 2 operators have certain limitations to circles, duration etc., I see these rates to become norm for everyone going forward.

What’s your take?