Idea joins data tariff war, cuts mobile internet rates by 90%

India's third largest telecom operator Idea Cellular joined the data tariff war by slashing 2G mobile internet rates by 90 per cent and 3G tariffs by 30 per cent for six months from November 15.

Days after Vodafone reduced data charges, Idea is offering a rate of 0.2 paise per 1 kilobyte (KB), down from 2 paise per KB it currently charges.

"Idea has reduced 2G data tariff by up to 90 per cent across all 22 circles, enabling users to avail 2G data at just 2 paise per 10 KB," the company said in a statement.

At the new rates, 3G data tariffs are now on par with 2G across all 10 Idea 3G circles.

The company said its 3G users will now be able to save up to 30 per cent on their monthly data charges as the same tariff will also be available across all 10 Idea 3G circles.

The new data rates will be applicable from November 15 and will be in place for next six months.

Idea charges its customers 2 paise per KB at present if the customers uses mobile internet without buying any plan.

"The reduction in data tariff is aimed at catalysing the data adoption amongst the masses and empowering them with the power of mobile internet at an affordable cost," Idea Cellular's Deputy Managing Director Ambrish Jain said.

The cheaper data tariffs from Idea Cellular comes within two weeks of Vodafone announing 80 per cent rate cut in 2G mobile internet rates.

Idea and also most of the telecom operators at present charge 3 paise per 10 KB for 3G mobile internet. Reliance Communication was first to announce 3G mobile internet rates at price equivalent to 2G rates which was followed by Aircel.

RCom, however, charges 3 paise per 10 KB for 3G mobile internet.

Telecom major Airtel charges 10 paise for 10 KB of 2G mobile internet services and 3 paise for 10 KB of 3G services.