Idea Cellular today increased the free data allocation on its existing unlimited calling packs.
Compared to 1 GB of 4G data that customers were getting with the Rs 348 pack, they will now get 4 GB.
Similarly, the free data allocation for those who do not have 4G handsets has been increased from 50 MB to 3 GB per month — an increase of 60 times.
“Prepaid customers can get 3GB free data on Rs 348 recharge pack, in addition to unlimited voice calling and SMS. Those who recharge with this pack on a new 4G handset will get an additional 1GB data. The benefit is valid for 28 days and can be availed for a maximum of 13 recharges in 365 days,” the company said.
The earlier plan was giving free data of 50 MB for non-4G customers and 1 GB for 4G customers.
UPDATE: The company has clarified that only new 4G subscribers will get the extra 3 GB of data. In other words, existing 4G subscribers will continue to get only 1 GB and 2G and 3G users will get only 50 MB.
Idea also introduced two new Ultimate plans at Rs. 499 and Rs. 999 rental for Postpaid users. In the Rs. 499 plan customers get Unlimited Local, National and Incoming Roaming calls with 3GB free Data on 4G Handset.Non-4G handset users will get Unlimited calling benefits and 1GB free Data.
The Rs 999 plan offers Unlimited Local, National & Roaming calls with 8GB free Data on 4G Handsets; and 5GB Data on other handsets. Additionally, Idea will also provide free subscription to its Music and Movies pack on these plans.
For all new and existing customers upgrading to 4G handsets, Idea will provide additional 3GB data on these rental plans, till 31st December ’17.
The extra 3GB free Data for New 4G Handset customers will make it 6GB and 11GB free data each month, on 499 and 999 Ultimate Plans.
To avail additional 3GB data offer, new 4G handset customers need to visit 4G Handset section on My Idea App or visit their website using the new 4G handset and Idea mobile Internet (not Wi-Fi) and follow the instructions.
Free data being provided to customers under the new plan will be 3G/4G, depending on the circle and handset. The data will be on 2G in the current 3G ICR circles until 4G is launched later this year.
Bharti Airtel had recently announced that it was increasing the free data allocation on its unlimited call plan from 1 GB to 4 GB under a new scheme.
Vodafone is also likely to come up with similar offers soon to stay in the game.
Launching these plans, Mr. Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular, said, “We are delighted to launch attractive value for money propositions for our customers to upgrade their handsets to 4G Smartphones and enjoy best-in-class smartphone experience on Idea’s 4G network. 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. 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.”