Vodafone has priced its 4G tariff higher than other operators, charging Rs 2,499 for 20 GB of data.
In comparison, Airtel charges Rs 2,149 for the same amount in Delhi-NCR.
The cheapest of 4G operator at present — Idea Cellular — gives a whopping 32 GB for Rs 1,999. Unfortunately, the operator is not present in Delhi, but only in select states like Haryana and Punjab.
Vodafone’s pricing in Delhi follows the charges that it has announced in other circles like Kolkata, Kerala and Karnataka.
UPDATE: 4G will be launched in Mumbai on Feb 10.
According to the tariff chart of Vodafone in these circles, the 20 GB pack is followed by a 10 GB pack at Rs 1,500 and 5 GB plan at Rs 850.In comparison, Airtel offers 10 GB at Rs 1,400 in the same circle.
However, for packs smaller than 5 GB, the rates of both operators are similar. These 4G packs include 2 GB at Rs 450 and 1 GB at Rs 250.
SUSTAINABLE?
The high rates quoted for LTE data is likely to disappoint the huge number of Vodafone subscribers who have been waiting for the company to launch its high speed service.
With today’s launch, Vodafone remains the only telco in India to price its 4G packs at the same rate as its 3G offerings.
Even Airtel, which is not always associated with discounts, is giving double the data on 4G when compared to 3G on some of the plans in certain circles like Kerala, where it is facing competition from Idea.
Idea continues to remain the cheapest operator as of now, offering 23 GB for Rs 1,500 in states like Haryana, and 4 GB for Rs 450.
The operators are likely to cut their rates once Reliance Jio starts SIM card sales — expected by the end of this month or early next month.
MUMBAI, BANGALORE NEXT
The company said it will launch similar services in Mumbai shortly.
“Vodafone will increase the intensity of its 4G rollout to cover important metros – Mumbai and Bengaluru shortly. Testing of 4G services in these locations has already commenced successfully and Vodafone India has partnered with leading global technology service providers for the network roll-out.”
Vodafone has already started the roll-out of 4G-Ready SIMs in these markets.
Vodafone has one of the weakest 4G spectrum profiles in India.
Under its current phase of expansion, it will be present in only the five circles of Kerala, Karnataka, Mumbai, Delhi – NCR and Kolkata. Idea 4G is already present in eight circles and will be expanded to 12 circles shortly.
However, the company said that these five zones contribute to 30% of industry revenues in the country and close to 50% of Vodafone India data revenues.
Also read: Why Airtel should cut prices before, not after Reliance Jio launches.
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