Idea Offers Unlimited Local and STD Calls, 1GB Data with New Rs. 179 Plan

Idea Cellular has launched a recharge pack for prepaid users looking for plans that offer unlimited calls. The new Idea plan is priced at Rs. 179 and comes with 1GB of bundled data. It has been launched just weeks after Vodafone announced a prepaid recharge pack with the same benefits at Rs. 177. Idea says it is targeting the 600 million users across the country who use their mobile phones only for voice calls, and not data.

The operator said in a release that the Rs. 179 pack is available for prepaid customers using any type of handset. Those who purchase the recharge via the Idea website of MyIdea app will get an additional 1GB data free. Validity of this pack is 28 days.

Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular, said “In today’s world of absolute connectivity, a phone call from an old friend still brings a smile to our face, and this is the creative concept of the campaign. With our Rs. 179 recharge we will enable customers to continue their conversations non-stop.”

Vodafone’s Rs. 177 plan also comes with unlimited free calls and 1GB bundled data. Idea is merging with Vodafone in a deal that would create the largest telecom operator of India, pushing back Airtel to the second position and making Jio the third largest telco. On the Jio network, calls are free both within the home circle as well as on roaming.

Idea on Monday launched a Rs. 357 plan as well, which offers 1GB data per day, unlimited calls, 100 SMSes, and 28-day validity for Rs. 357. There’s also a new plan by the operator offering 1GB data per day and unlimited calls for 70 days at Rs. 498, but only in Delhi-NCR circle.