After Airtel, now Idea launches extra data, unlimited calling plans

MUMBAI: Facing stiff competition from new entrant Jio and incumbents Bharti Airtel and Vodafone, Idea Cellular on Wednesday rolled out free data bundled in the plans for their customers. This comes within few weeks of the incumbents offering similar services to compete with Mukesh Ambani owned Reliance Jio, which has been boasting of getting half a million subscribers a day since its launch.

Idea Celluar, which caters to a 185 million users, said its customers with 4G handsets will get even more data benefits on the new plans. The Aditya Birla Group owned firm will also allow customers to avail 12 months free data worth up to Rs 9,000 on a new 4G handset.

Idea will offer existing prepaid 4G handset customers 1GB free data with Rs 348 recharge pack, in addition to unlimited voice call and SMS. Users who recharge with this pack on new 4G handsets will get additional 3GB data. The plan will be valid for 28 days and can be availed for a maximum of 13 recharges in 365 days, the number three telco said.

"These new plans will further drive 4G penetration amongst users and will encourage Idea customers to adopt the company’s high speed wireless broadband services, furthering data penetration," said Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular.

"By providing our customers with easy and affordable solutions for their communication and infotainment needs, we can open the door to endless possibilities for them, " Shankar added.

The move comes a week after Airtel had allowed additional 3GB of data each month for a year for customers at Rs 345 who switch to its services from rivals and opt for mid-to-high end plans, following its December 8 announcement of unlimited voice plans. The offer, which has free unlimited voice bundled in, will be available to consumers till February 28, with 3GB data free every month till December 31, over and above what is available in the usual plan.