Tata Docomo used to be one of the best telecom service provider in India a couple of years ago. However, since the time when top telecom operators started offering affordable tariff plans, Docomo went off the radar because it doesn't have 4G services even in its major circles. The operator eventually lost the pace in the market and recently announced the merger with India's leading telecom operator Bharti Airtel.
Tata Docomo is one of the telecom operators which offers its services in many circles through the shared network. As stated, Tata’s telecom arm Tata Teleservices is the latest telecom service provider being acquired by Bharti Airtel. Tata Docomo has recently launched Rs 148, Rs 179, Rs 349 and Rs 499 tariff plans to compete with telecom operators such as Reliance Jio, Idea Cellular, and Vodafone India.
The Rs 179 pack offers 1GB of 3G data per day, unlimited calls (with a monthly FUP), and roaming. However there is a catch, the FUP is of 4000 minutes applies for the Rs 148 and Rs 179 while the Rs 349 plan offers 8000 minutes, and Rs 499 gives 12000 minutes. Data usage post limit will be charged at 10p/MB with all the four plans. All four plans offer unlimited calls applicable on the home network.
The validity of the Rs 148 and Rs 179 plans is 28 days. The Rs 349 plan has a validity of 56 days, and Rs 499 has a validity of 90 days. Tata Docomo has tried to keep the pricing competitive with Reliance Jio’s recently unveiled new prepaid recharge plans under 'Happy New Year 2018' offer. Under this offer, Jio launched two prepaid recharge plans priced at Rs 199 and Rs 299. Reliance Jio's Rs 199 prepaid recharge plan offers 1.2GB while the Rs 299 prepaid recharge plan offers 2GB of 4G data on a daily basis for 28 days.
| Operator | Tata Docomo | Tata Docomo | Tata Docomo | Tata Docomo | Jio | Jio |
| Plan Cost | Rs.148 | Rs.179 | Rs.349 | Rs.499 | Rs.199 | Rs.299 |
| Validity | 28 days | 28 days. | 56 days | 90 days | 28 days | 28 Days |
| Data | 2GB | 1GB per day. | 1GB per day. | 1GB per day. | 1.2GB per day. | 2GB per day. |
| Network | 3G | 3G | 3G | 3G | VoLTE | VoLTE |
| Data beyond limit | 10p/MB | 10p/MB | 10p/MB | 10p/MB | Unlimited low speed | Unlimited low speed |
| Call Usage | 4000 min FUP | 4000 min FUP | 8000 min FUP | 12000 min FUP | No commercial use. | No commercial use. |
| Cost per day. | Rs.5.29 | Rs.6.39 | Rs.12.46 | Rs.5.54 | Rs.7.11 | Rs.10.68 |
The Rs 179 plan is essentially an all in one voucher by Tata Docomo. Given the present market scenario and network quality of Tata Docomo, it will be a test for Tata Docomo’s loyal subscribers to opt for the above plans rolled out by the operator. Tata Docomo is yet to launch its 4G services, which might happen in the near future. We hope to see more competitive plans by the incumbent when Tata Docomo merges with Airtel, and 4G service is rolled out pan India.
