Bharti Airtel’s cut in 3G data rates has caught the headlines, but Airtel’s 3G is still more expensive than the pre-existing plans offered by some other operators.
For example, Airtel’s plan is offering 300 MB of 3G data for Rs 100. In comparison, MTNL offers 1 GB of data for Rs 76 (weekly) and Rs 125 (for two weeks.)
Aircel which won 3G spectrum in 13 circles, offers 100 MB for Rs 17 and 250 MB for Rs 67 and 500 MB for Rs 128.
Bharti Airtel, despite the cutting the price of 3G, is still not the cheapest operator for data, even in mid and high use segments.
For example, Airtel charges Rs 250 for 1G. In comparison, the same pack costs Rs 198 on Aircel. When you look at MTNL, it offers double the amount of data, 2 GB, for the same amount as Airtel.
Similarly, Airtel has lowered the price of its 4 GB packs to Rs 750, but this too is more expensive compared to some others.
BSNL offers 5 GB for the same amount, while Aircel too offers 5 GB for only Rs 697 — less than the price charged by Airtel for 4 GB.
Even at the high usage levels, Bharti is not cheaper than the others. For example, Airtel charges Rs 1500 per month for 10 GB of data use per month, while Reliance Communication offers 10 GB of 3G data for Rs 1099 on its USB-dongle plans.
So too, Aircel offers 10 GB for Rs 997 per month, Rs 503 less than Airtel.
Similarly, under a 6-month advance payment plan in MTNL, you get a whopping 33.3 GB per month for Rs 750 per month.
That said, Airtel’s plans are definitely cheaper than those offered by Vodafone, Tata DoCoMo and Idea Cellular.