Airtel, Vodafone, Idea hikes 2G Data rates – Is it to counter usage charges for Whatsapp and other IM Platforms?

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We have been receiving SMSs and reports from people across various circles that 2G Data rates of  Airtel, Vodafone, Idea are hiked and by looking at the initial scenario the hike is very huge for regular users. You can see from the SMS received by an Airtel Bihar user that for 2GB 2G users are now charged Rs249.

airtel2G hike




Vodafone have also started sending Data hike SMS notification to users.

vodafone2g hike

We do not have any screenshot for idea Data hike at this point of time but we received information from readers across circles that they are receiving data hike notifications.

Here are the hike details for idea as reported by a user (Maharashtra & Goa Circle) - 1GB at 180Rs and 3GB at 250Rs. Also, the user reported that night pack rates are doubles from 7Rs to 14Rs.

Earlier we had heard demands to charge customers for Data messaging applications like Whatsapp, Viber etc. from top officials of a Teleco. In a good move, TRAI says no to additional charges on whatsapp and other IM platforms.

Dear readers, are you receiving 2G Data hike notifications from operators in your circle?

Do you feel that these hikes are to counter usage charges for messaging applications ? Do let us and other readers know via comments.

As usual AVoId group has started the hike spree all at a time, are Indian Mobile Operators running in a Cartel Mode ?

Note: Data pack hikes may differ from circle to circle and some circles may not have yet received any hike notifications. We are trying to give intimation to users forehand as per the information sources we received from our readers across circles. Do check with your operators for precise hike related information. Thanks to Abhisek for Airtel screenshot, Yogesh for information on idea cellular related data hike and tamesh for vodafone screenshot.

Reported By

Telecom Analyst

Passionately following the Indian #Telecom Industry for over a decade from Business, Consumer and a Technical perspective. My primary focus area is Consumer & Digital Experience.

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