Idea hikes pre-paid data tariffs by 18 per cent in Delhi

New Delhi: Idea Cellular pre-paid customers in Delhi and NCR will now have to cough out more for using data as the company has increased rates by over 18 per cent with effect from June 3. The company has made changes in most of the recharges and vouchers for 2G and 3G services.

According to industry sources, the company also plans to increase the data tariffs in five-six more circles in the coming days. When asked to comment on the matter, the company did not reply. According to information taken from customer care of Idea Cellular, the company has increased 3G data tariffs by over 18 per cent and 2G tariffs by 11 per cent. A customer care executive said the 1 GB pack of 3G with a validity of 28 days will now come for Rs 295 compared with Rs 249 earlier, while a 1 GB, 2G data pack for will now come for Rs 195 with 28 days validity as against Rs 175 earlier.

The company has also reduced validity of various packs. For instance, customers will now get a validity of 7 days with a recharge of Rs 247 for 1 GB, while earlier it used to cost Rs 249 with 28 days validity. Idea is the first telecom operator, which has increased data tariffs after the March spectrum auctions. Idea was successful in securing spectrum in all the nine telecom circles (which account for 69 per cent of its revenues) that came up for renewal.

The company had paid over Rs 7,000 crore of the overall outgo of more than Rs 30,000 crore. In a bid to improve profitability, telecos have been cutting back on discounts and freebies. Last year also, firms including Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea had increased data as well as call tariffs. After the March spectrum auction, industry associations had said there would be hike in tariffs as operators have to pay about Rs 1,09,874 crore to the government.