How Operator Can Make Fair Enough Billing For 3G SubscribersAs we can see operators who won 3G license and spectrum has rolled out 3G services in selected cities and soon their 3G network will expand to more and more cities.

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BSNL & MTNL, the PSU duo are on the 3G track since 2009 and till now only STel does not roll out 3G services.

At the first phase of 3rd Generation telephony services 3G tariffs are really costly. According to my personal opinions, 3G pricing should be 3-4 times more than 2G pricing. So 2GB data on 2G which costs around Rs.98 should be priced at Rs 300-400 if you are on 3G.

But current pricing of 2GB 3G data costs around Rs 750 from any private operator; note that BSNL is also charging Rs 716 for 2GB 3G data. After withdrawal of Unlimited plans by BSNL, there is now no cheap 3G offering except MTNL.

As we can see operators charging huge if you choose PayAsYouGo plan:

OperatorPAYG Plan
Aircel3p/10kB i.e. Rs 3/MB i.e. Rs3,000/GB
Airtel30p/20kB i.e. Rs 15/MB i.e. Rs 15,000/GB
BSNL2p/10kB i.e. Rs 2/MB i.e. Rs 2,000/GB
MTNL1p/10kB i.e. Rs 1/MB i.e. Rs 10,00/GB
Idea10p/10kB i.e. Rs 10/MB i.e. Rs 10,000/GB
Vodafone10p/10kB i.e. Rs10/MB i.e. Rs 10,000/GB
Reliance10p/10kB i.e. Rs10/MB i.e. Rs 10,000/GB
Tata Docomo10p/10kB i.e. Rs10/MB i.e. Rs 10,000/GB

This indicates operators simply discourage users to go PAYG plan, and forcing them to use any data pack.

A comparison between all 3G operators data plans:

Note: All 3G data plans for mobile or dongle with 30 days validity/monthly rentals are taken under consideration.

From the above comparison chart, it is certain that 3G is not a cheap business like voice calls! Without not a single pan India 3G operator, it is really hard to say which operator is best on basis of tariff, coverage and services because you have 4-5 operators in your circles and you have to choose among them. PSU duo BSNL and MTNL is cheaper than the private operators. MTNL is still offering unlimited plans  with 30/60/90/180 days, which eventually offering unlimited 3G data for Rs 750/month. MTNL also has a 7 day pack for high downloaders offering 25GB for Rs 499.