It looks like telecom operators in India have a single goal going forward: to match Reliance Jio in every way possible. For the first time in a long time, Bharti Airtel has lost its subscribers in August 2017, and that too not a small number. Airtel lost more two lakh subscribers in August 2017, according to Trai.
And the scenario of other two incumbent operators, Vodafone and Idea Cellular is even worst as both the operators reported subscriber loss of more than one million. Since the start of this month, Airtel and Idea Cellular are on a launch spree. Every other day, there's a new plan from Airtel and Idea this month. Here are the tariff plans launched by telecom operators in India in October 2017.
Idea Cellular's Rs. 248 Plan
Probably the best plan of all. This plan from Idea Cellular offers 1GB data per day for 28 days. The best part, however, is that this plan is valid for all Idea users- 4G or 3G or 2G. So, if you own a 2G handset, you will get 1GB of 2G data per day for 28 days. Nevertheless, this plan is limited to some users.
Bharti Airtel's Rs. 199 Plan
Airtel has come up with a plan of Rs. 199 to compete with Reliance Jio's Rs. 149 plan. This plan from Airtel gives 1GB data for 28 days, along with unlimited local & STD voice calls. Sadly, the voice calls are limited to just 300 minutes per day and 1200 minutes per week.
BSNL's Rs. 429 Combo Plan
BSNL has come up with a plan of Rs. 429 that gives 1GB data per day and unlimited voice calls without any cap to any network for 90 days. This plan from BSNL is valid for all its users on a pan-India basis. The company has already registered 3.5 lakh connections in Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana combined.
Idea Cellular's Rs. 198 Plan
Right after Airtel announcing the plan of Rs. 199, Idea Cellular came out with a Rs. 198 plan that gives similar benefits of 1GB data per day and unlimited local and STD voice calls for 28 days. Unlike Airtel, Idea is offering this plan for select customers.
Airtel and Idea's FRC 495 Plan
Yesterday, we reported that Airtel and Idea are offering a data combo plan of Rs. 495 in Himachal Pradesh. This FRC 495 plan gives 1GB data per day and unlimited voice calls, including roaming calls for 84 days. So, this plan is only for new customers who're looking to join the network.
Unlike Reliance Jio which is offering only 4G services in India, Airtel and Idea's FRC 495 plan is valid for 3G and 2G customers as well.
Aircel's Rs. 153 Feature Phone Plan
Aircel has partnered with feature phone maker Lava to rival the Reliance JioPhone and its Rs. 153 plan. Aircel is offering unlimited voice calls, 2G data, and unlimited SMS for 28 days with a recharge of Rs. 153. However, this plan is available for select Lava feature phone mobiles. Also, if a customer recharges the same plan for 24 months, he will receive 100% amount of the feature phone back.
These are the plans introduced by top telecom operators this month. Sadly, there's nothing from Vodafone, Aircel, and RCom. Also, Reliance Jio updated its Rs. 149 with unlimited data offering.
