It seems the data tariff war started by Reliance and BSNL, is really powerful one and has started impacting on the fellow operators. The solid A-Vo-Id group of Indian telecom is experimenting with their respective 3G tariff. After Airtel and Vodafone, Idea Cellular has also started offering 3G data at 2G price, with some 'conditions apply'.
Idea has brought this kind of 3G data vouchers for most of the circles where it is currently offering 3G services i.e. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra & Goa, UP East & West.
Unlike one time recharge from Vodafone and Airtel, Idea is offering 3G at 2G price for its Smartphone users. Note that Idea is the only 3G operator in India, which has its own branded Smartphone offerings. These plans are available as FRC (First Recharge Coupon) or as Secondary Recharges.
I personally think the scope of making these plans popular is limited, as Idea makes these plans only for its Smartfone and NetSetter customers only. It should be extended on the other handsets too via reverse bundling.
Please check the new offers from Idea 3G Smartfone users:
| Vouchers | 3G data | Valid for | Other Details |
| Rs 128 | 1GB (after 1GB 2p/10 KB) | 30 days | 1GB data on first 12 recharges, from 13th recharge onwards benefit is 500 MB (in Kerala only) |
| Rs 247 | 2 GB + onnet local call at 20p/min (after 2GB 2p/10 KB) | 30 days | |
| Rs 297 | 1 GB/month + onnet local call at 20p/min (after 1GB 2p/10 KB) | 60 days | |
| Rs 746 | 1 GB/month + onnet local call at 20p/min (after 1GB 0.5p/10 KB) | 150 days | |
| Rs 1296 | 1.5 GB + 200MB facebook/month + onnet local call at 20p/min (after 1GB 0.5p/10 KB) | 180 days |
Notes:
1. Only for Idea Smartphone users.
2. Not all plans are available in all circles. Please contact customer care before making a recharge on your number.
3. Pricing may be slightly different from circle to circle.
4. Some plans are available as FRC only, while some can be continued as secondary recharges for a year in certain circles.
Idea's dongle based mobile broadband offering - NetSetter users will also get similar offers as FRC.
Idea Cellular New NetSetter FRCs Details:
| MRP (Rs) | 3G Data | Validity |
| 175 | 1GB | 30 days |
| 177 | 3 GB | 30 days |
| 496 | 10 GB | 30 days |
Above mentioned conditions are applicable on NetSetter STVs also.
Operators Offering 3G at 2G Price in India:
Airtel New 3G Data Plan Details : 1GB 3G at Rs.124 ( Selected Customers mostly in Delhi circle ).
Vodafone India New 3G Data Plan Details : 1Gb 3G at Rs.126 ( Selected Customers Pan India ).
Thanks to Jigar Patel
