Reliance Info to withdraw pioneer scheme

 But sources claimed that the company had decided to withdraw the offer some time in December. In any event, all telecom companies will have to alter tariffs from December 1, when the new interconnect charges come into effect.

 The Dhirubhai Ambani Pioneer scheme was launched on May 1, 2003. Among other things, it offered a free mobile phone, unlimited free incoming calls and national long-distance calls at 40 paise a minute.

 When it launched its limited mobility services, Reliance Infocomm had announced that it would continue the scheme till June 30, 2003, in 104 towns and cities and till July 31 in the remaining 569 towns in India. The scheme was then extended.

 Although the scheme offered several features with upfront or monthly payments for three years, the company later came out with special promotional offers in response to changing market conditions.

 These include Monsoon Hungama which promised a very low entry point of Rs 501 (announced on July 2) and Colour Hungama, which introduced new payment options for colour handsets.