Airtel Slashes Prepaid Mobile Data Tariffs, Offers Up to 67 Percent More Data

Following a similar move by Idea last week, telecom major Airtel on Sunday announced it was increasing data benefits by up to 67 percent, in effect cutting data tariffs for prepaid customers.

Under the revised data benefits, the Rs. 655 4G/ 3G monthly recharge pack will now offer 5GB data vs 3GB earlier, amounting an increase of 67 percent in data benefit.

Similarly, the Rs. 455 pack that offered 3G/ 4G data with a cap of 2GB will now offer 3GB of data at the same tariff - an increase by 54 percent.

(Also see:  Idea Announces Slash in Mobile Data Rates Across All Circles)

Moreover, 2G/3G/4G sachet packs also see increase in benefits by up to 48 percent. The Rs. 25 2G pack now offers 45 percent more data at 145MB, as against 100MB earlier.

The Rs. 5 one day 2G data pack benefits are increased by 48 percent to 30MB.

"Added data benefits on monthly packs will boost data consumption amongst existing users by offering more value and sachet Packs will drive affordability and help bring first time users online," Airtel said.

"These refreshed data packs will help drive consumption and boost the uptake of mobile Internet in the country.

"Given the deepening smartphone penetration and Airtel's roll-out of data networks across India, we believe these packs will also drive affordability and bring new users online," Bharti Airtel Director Operations (India and South Asia) Ajai Puri said in a statement.