Airtel increases 2G data rates by 25 percent

Bharti Airtel has increased the 2G tariffs in the country by 25 percent. India's biggest telecom operator will now be offering 1GB 2G data for Rs. 125 per month instead of Rs. 99. Additionally, the 2GB unlimited pack, which was earlier priced at Rs. 149 will now come for Rs. 199.

There are speculations doing the rounds that the other telecom operators might also announce an increase in their 2G tariffs soon. As a matter of fact, some media reports are even claiming that Vodafone and Idea have also revised their 2G data prices to match that of Airtel.

However when contacted both Vodafone and Idea Cellular denied these reports. Vodafone's spokesperson shared, "We are aware of some of our competitors increasing tariffs for 2G data recently. We see this as an encouraging step for industry and are taking corrective measures accordingly at our end."

Idea spokesperson on the other hand shared that the company has so far not announced any such revision in 2G tariff.

Even though Airtel has increased its 2G data packs, the pricing for the 3G packs remain intact and even the unbundled data usage continues to be charged at 10 paise per 10 KB.

The Indian telecom sector has had a turbulent 2012 and most companies in the sector had indicated that they will be looking at increasing tariff in order to sustain operations. Airtel seems to have taken the lead in this direction to announce an escalation in the 2G tariffs. It is expected that the telecom companies might also be considering increasing the prices of call rates.