Idea Cellular cuts 2G and 3G data tariffs, effective November 15

In a bid to promote mobile broadband penetration, Idea Cellular Tuesday slashed 2G data tariffs by up to 90 percent across the country and 3G tariffs by as much as 33 percent for six months starting November 15.

The reduced tariffs will be available to existing and new prepaid and postpaid users, the company said in a statement.

At the new rates, 3G data tariffs are now on par with 2G across all 10 Idea 3G circles. Users can access 2G and 3G data at 2 paise per 10 KB.

"Over 33 million existing and new data users on the Idea networks can now enjoy reduced data tariffs on their 2G and 3G prepaid and postpaid handsets and dongles. The offer will be effective from November 15, 2013, and be available for six months," it said.

Vodafone India had slashed data tariffs by up to 80 percent across the country. Bharti Airtel in June had reduced rates by up to 90 percent in Punjab and Haryana.

"Idea has reduced 2G data tariff by up to 90 percent across all 22 circles, enabling users to avail 2G data at 2 paise per 10 KB. Idea's 3G users will now be able to save up to 30 percent on their monthly data charges as the same tariff will also be available across all 10 Idea 3G circles," the company said.

Idea has 3G spectrum in Maharashtra and Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Kerala, UP West and East, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

The current tariffs for 2G are 2 paise per KB while for 3G, the rates are 3 paise per 10 KB.

"The reduction in data tariff is aimed at catalysing data adoption amongst the masses and empowering them with the power of mobile Internet at an affordable cost," Idea Cellular Deputy Managing Director Ambrish Jain said.

The revised tariffs will not only drive more data usage from existing Idea users but will also attract new users to Idea's growing subscriber portfolio, the company said.