MTNL launches 3 new annual 3G data packs in Mumbai circle

Struggling telecom PSU, MTNL which operates in two metro markets has now launched three new long validity 3G data packs in Mumbai. The new packs came after telecom watchdog TRAI extended validity limit for data packs to 12 months from existing 3 months.

Though, Airtel launched long validity packs few days back and became the first operator to take advantage of the TRAI ruling. But unlike the Airtel pack, here one doesn't have to pay an upfront fee to get data benefits, as MTNL's new packs priced at Rs 849, 1299 and 3999 come with fixed data benefits which can be used for the 12 month period without any monthly usage limit.

With the recharge of Rs 849, MTNL prepaid customers can get 6 GB data for a year. Considering the current data price, it's a good pack for those who don't consume much data as one can get an average of 500 MB of data at a rate of Rs 70 with this low value pack.

While the mid range pack priced at Rs 1299 offers 12 GB data that too with long validity, this pack is perfect for officials or those who need more data for short term as currently the operator isn't offering such cheap packs for short term. With this pack, the cost for one GB comes down to Rs 110/GB which is much lower than actual market rate of other data packs.

The last pack for high end customers available at Rs 3999 will offer 50GB of data with a validity of 12 months. This is a newly included pack in their data offerings which has a much higher data limit. With this pack, existing Dolphin customers can get much lower data rates, as every GB of data comes at a rate of Rs 80. Also, as the pack offers long validity, one can enjoy for long duration without worrying about to top up data packs.

On one hand where private operators are cutting down data tariffs and offering freebies to protect their subscriber base from migrating to Jio which has announced voice calls free and lower data rates, we believe with these new long validity data packs, MTNL also wants to protect its turf and increase the stickiness of its 1.2 million customers in the financial capital.