 "Airtel, Vodafone offer sweeteners as Jio launch nears")
Bharti Airtel and Vodafone are offering customers cheaper data and free voice calls ahead of the launch of services by Reliance Jio Infocomm.
Bharti Airtel has announced unlimited voice calling in two new plans and Vodafone is offering 10-minute free calling to customers whose calls are interrupted because of any reason. Both operators, along with Idea Cellular, have reduced data tariffs by up to 67 per cent.
The Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Jio is expected to launch services in a couple of months and telecom players are trying to hold on to customers through benefits. Reliance Jio has 1.5 million test users with average monthly consumption of 26-GB data and 355-minutes voice.
It is expected that after launch, Reliance Jio will offer cheap high-speed data or will throw in free voice calls to lure users.
Airtel's new Infinity plan offers unlimited calling along with 100 SMSs a day, 1GB 3G/4G data and subscription to Wynk Music and Wynk Movies for Rs 1,199 a month. The Rs 1,599 plan offers 5GB 3G/4G data.
Airtel said the company was making calls free for customers and offering them flexibility to combine this with their data requirements.
Vodafone's Delights Bonanza offers 10-minute free calls to customers whose calls are interrupted because of any reason. The credit can be availed once during the month-long bonanza and is applicable on calls within the Vodafone network in the same circle.
"With benefits running on both voice and data, we want our customers to enjoy the experience of Vodafone SuperNet," said Sandeep Kataria, director, consumers, Vodafone India.
HOW TELCOS ARE BRACING FOR THE JIO IMPACT
- Airtel, Vodafone and Idea have increased data limits on their existing 3G/4G plans up to 67 per cent, leading to 30 per cent lower realisations
- Airtel announces two new plans with free voice calls, SMSs and bundled data
- Vodafone offers 10 minutes of free talk time with each call drop
- Sector-wide tariffs may fall further after the commercial launch
- 3G/4G penetration may grow several-fold from 13 per cent at present
