Idea hikes pre-paid data tariffs by up to 18% in Delhi

Idea Cellular has raised data usage rates for its pre-paid customers in Delhi and the National Capital region (NCR) by up to 18 per cent, effective 3 June, and reports said it would soon increase data rates in other major circles.

The company has made changes in most of the recharges and vouchers for 2G and 3G services.

While Idea has increased 3G data tariffs by over 18 per cent it has raised 2G tariffs by 11 per cent, according to sources at customer care centres.

They said the 1 GB pack of 3G with a validity of 28 days will now cost Rs295 compared with Rs249 earlier, while a 1 GB, 2G data pack with 28 days validity will now cost Rs195 against Rs175 earlier.

The company has also reduced validity of various packs.

Customers will now get a validity of 7 days with a recharge of Rs247 for 1 GB, while earlier it used to cost Rs249 with 28 days validity.

Idea is the first telecom operator to increase data tariffs after the March spectrum auctions. Idea has secured 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 Rs7,000 crore of the overall outgo of more than Rs30,000 crore.

Telecos have been cutting back on discounts and freebies since the auctions to reduce costs and are expected to slowly hike rates.

Last year also, firms including Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea, had increased data as well as call tariffs.