Idea Launches Unlimited Voice Calling Packs to Counter Reliance Jio, Airtel, Aircel

Idea Cellular, following the lead of market leader Airtel, has launched two unlimited voice calling recharge packs. The new Idea unlimited voice calling packs are priced at Rs. 148 and Rs. 348 and allow users to make calls free of any additional charge across the country. The two Idea unlimited voice calling packs also include free data benefits. Idea's move is thought to among several made by telecom operators to compete with Reliance Jio's free voice calling plans.

Idea Cellular unlimited voice calling packs

The Rs. 348 Idea unlimited voice calling pack allows users to make local and STD calls to any network in the country. Along with the unlimited calls, Idea users will get 1GB of 4G data. On the other hand, the new Rs. 148 recharge pack limits users to only Idea-to-Idea unlimited local and STD calls. This Idea unlimited calling pack provides 4G users with 300MB of mobile data.

Fine print of Idea Cellular's unlimited voice calling packs

The validity of Idea Cellular’s Rs. 348 and Rs. 148 unlimited calling plans is 28 days. If the Idea customer does not have a 4G smartphone, the data benefits are limited to 50MB in both the recharge packs. Prices of the unlimited calling packs by Idea Cellular may vary from circle to circle, Idea Cellular said in a statement.

Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular said, “As people in India get into the holiday mode, they will tend to stay better connected with their loved ones. Providing them with seamless connectivity at an affordable price point, we have launched these exciting voice packs that enable Idea prepaid users to make unlimited voice calls across the country. We hope they make the best out of this proposition.”

Idea’s new unlimited voice calling plans come within days of similar plans by rivals Airtel and Aircel. Vodafone, on the other hand, has effectively cut the rates of its 4G data plans by 50 percent with its new Double Data offer. This flurry of offers is seen as a response to Reliance Jio extending its free calls, data, SMSs and other benefits till March 31 2017 under the Happy New Year Offer.