To tap new users into own network, Idea cellular has launched new special tariff voucher (STV) in the Kolkata circle, which also includes Sikkim as well as Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The new STV aims new users whose 'Age-On-Network' is less than 30 days on Idea's network. Anybody with above mentioned terms can recharge with Rs. 4 STV through easy or self recharge to get local Idea-to-Idea call price of just 10p/min, while local or STD calls to others network will be 30p/min. This pack will be valid for 90 days, which is a pretty good offer in our view. You can find more details about this new pack in the chart below.
| Special STV for Those New Users on Idea of Kolkata & WB circle. | |||
| STV | Benefits | Validity | Applicable for |
| Rs 4 | All Local Idea calls @ 10p/min , Others Local / STD calls @ 30p/min | 90 Days | Those users can get the benefits by recharging the voucher if their Age-On-Network doesn't crossed 30 Days. |
| For More contact Idea Care. *Availability: Easy Recharge & Self Recharge by dialling USSD *369*004# | |||
Idea has released this offer to counter Vodafone's 'Double Validity' and 'Double Data’ offers, which are gaining popularity due to their value-for-money factor. Even Vodafone has a robust network in both Kolkata & RoWB circles with a presence in 99% of the total areas. Vodafone even offers 3G networks in those regions. They are also planning to launch 4G FDD-LTE in the Kolkata circle by the end of this year.
Why couldn’t Idea see success in Kolkata?
Since it's launch of GSM services in the Kolkata circle, Idea hasn't seen the so called 'success' in the region as the incumbents, Vodafone & Airtel, already have robust network coverage in the area. Offering cheap rates and special customised offers didn't helped them much as other low-cost operators like Aircel and Uninor (then) took away a large subscriber base.
On the data front, it lagged behind other players as it still doesn't have its own 3G HSPA network. It is using Vodafone's 3G network through ICRA, and their speed are capped to lower speeds than Vodafone's original speed. This is why maximum users prefers Vodafone 3G over Idea's 3G facility in the circle. However, they have done well in the Rest of West Bengal circle as their network and coverage are better than other low-cost operators, Aircel or Reliance, as it's using Indus tower sites for its operations that helped them in acquiring more users.
