How Airtel, Vodafone Will Offer 4G Internet to Fight Jio 4G Plans

Most telecom companies have revised their 4G plans so as to retain their users.

These telecom players will fight it out against Reliance Jio 4G. (Photo: The Quint)

You know who’s most worried about Reliance Jio 4G making its entry into Indian telecom sector? The existing majors like Airtel, Vodafone and Idea among others.

The reason for that? It has been widely tipped that Reliance with its Jio 4G intends to offer 4G internet at “affordable” prices. And we all know that 4G services provided by the likes of Airtel and Vodafone are anything but affordable right now.

But if they’re to not face the after-effects of a supposed Jio 4G onslaught in the country, then Airtel and Vodafone need to tweak their data plans, either by offering more data, or by lowering their prices, which in the end will delight its customers.

So, what have these players done to tackle the imminent launch of Reliance Jio 4G? Here’s a look.

Airtel 4G

Airtel claims to have reduced the price of its 3G/4G data pack in Delhi by up to 80 percent. If one goes by the numbers, it would be hard to argue with them.

To avail this benefit, Airtel customers will have to recharge with Rs 1,498 against which they will get 1GB of 4G or 3G mobile internet usage valid for 28 days. Post exhaustion of 1GB data limit, the customers can get 1GB 4G or 3G recharges for just Rs 51 over a period of 12 months and there is no limit on the number of recharges during the period.

Airtel offer

With their new scheme, users have to pay Rs 1498 upfront, and only then you can avail the 1GB for Rs 51 offer. When you compare this offer versus industry norm of Rs 250-plus plans, this essentially translates into 30 percent saving for someone using 1 GB per month data and 37 percent for 2 GB a month users.

Also Read:  No, Airtel’s 1GB Data Pack For Rs 51 Is Not As Good As Jio 4G

Our take: Airtel has been known for its premium data-voice plans. It was no different with 4G, but Jio 4G could possibly bring about a change in the way they operate. This is just a start, we’d want to see more from them.

Vodafone 4G

Vodafone also revised its 3GB 3G/4G monthly recharge pack. Earlier a Rs 650 plan came bundled with 3GB data, but now you get 5GB for the same price.

Vodafone has increased its data quota for 4G prepaid plans by up to 67 percent, without lowering down the cost of data packs.

Similarly, the Rs 449 3G/4G pack now offers 50 percent more data by increasing the data benefit to 3 GB from 2 GB. The Rs 999 3G/4G pack will now offer 10 GB data, offering 54 percent more benefits.

Other 4G Plans:

• 2GB - Rs 349 for 28 days (Rs 449)
• 5GB - Rs 649 for 28 days (Rs 849)
• 10GB - Rs 990 for 28 days (Rs 1349)

Our take: In comparison to Airtel, Vodafone’s 4G plans are appealing, owing to the fact that now you get more data (in GB) for the same cost. But again, when it comes to Jio 4G, Vodafone will have to go dip itself further down to stand a chance of making money from data.

Idea 4G

Idea also recently slashed its data tariffs by up to 67 percent. As detailed by the company, users on their network will now get 5GB of 4G/3G data for Rs 649. If anyone wants 10GB of 4G/3G then Rs 990 is your price. Interestingly, Idea is also letting users pick their 2GB data plan for Rs 349.

Our take: Idea has a lot of work to do to extend its 4G support across the country. Unlike Airtel and Vodafone, they are yet to go PAN-India, because of their limited spectrum ownership for 4G connectivity.