Last week when Reliance Communications announced its 50 paise plan tariff, GSM biggie Bharti Airtel stated that it won’t respond to such a tariff reasoning that such a tariff model was unsustainable. It was widely believed that with Bharti making such a announcement incumbent GSM operators comprising of Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar and idea Cellular would not respond to the tariff model. But Idea Cellular appears to be thinking on different lines and has in fact launched a range of new competitive tariff offers for its subscribers across different circles.

Bihar & Jharkhand:

Take for instance idea’s new tariff offer in the circles of Bihar and Jharkhand. The operator has launched a pay-per-second tariff in these circles perhaps taking a cue from the now popular tariff structure introduced by Tata DoCoMo. To avail the plan existing subscribers need to recharge with Rs.8 voucher whereas new subscribers can get the attractive tariffs with Rs 14 recharge offer. It has also launched another plan offering local calls at 40 paise per minute and STD calls at 60 paise per minute to any network. For existing subscribers this scheme is available with Rs. 12 voucher while for new subscribers it will be available for Rs 14.

Mr. M D Prasad, Circle Head – Bihar & Jharkhand, IDEA Cellular says, “This is yet another ‘first’ from IDEA to offer world class and affordable telephony services to mobile consumers in the region. With the new plans, IDEA subscribers in Bihar & Jharkhand will get the lowest call tariffs in the market. Mobile users can now use their mobile phones with absolute freedom without worrying about time or geography. I am confident that this will redefine mobile telephony services in the state, and drive penetration deeper in the market.”

Himachal Pradesh:

Similarly the service provider has also launched two new tariff plans in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh. The ‘Super Second’ plan is based on the per second billing model which will be available to existing subscribers for Rs 24 and for Rs 49 to new subscribers. The second new plan, ‘Super Saral’ offers local calls at 40 paise per minute and STD calls at 60 paise per minute to any network. This plan is available to existing subscribers for Rs 26 and for new subscribers at Rs 48.

 Mr. Anish Roy, Chief Operating Officer - Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, IDEA Cellular says, “This is yet another 'first' from IDEA to offer world class and affordable telephony services to mobile consumers in the region. With the new plans, IDEA subscribers in Himachal will get the lowest call tariffs in the market. Mobile users can now use their mobile phones with absolute freedom without worrying about time or geography. I am confident that this will redefine mobile telephony services in the state, and drive penetration deeper in the market.”

Mumbai:

The operator today announced what it claims to be the lowest tariff in Mumbai offering local calls at 40 paise per minute and STD calls at 50 paise per minute. The local call tariff however is valid only within Idea network for a period of one year. The STD price is available for calls made to outside network as well including wireline.  SMSes will be charged at flat 50 paise per SMS. Existing subscribers can avail the offer with voucher of Rs 47 while the offer is valid for new subscribers with the first recharge itself. For services used in a day, regular tariff will apply for the first call/SMS and these new tariffs will subsequently be applicable from second call/SMS onwards.

Mr. Sashi Shankar, Chief Operating Officer - Mumbai, IDEA Cellular says, "With Diwali and Christmas, just round the corner, we expect a surge in mobile usage. With the new tariff plan, IDEA subscribers will enjoy the lowest tariff in Mumbai and will be able to make calls with absolute freedom without worrying about time or geography. As the fastest growing mobile operator with over 1 million subscribers in Mumbai, IDEA’s new initiative will provide its subscribers great value & enhance customer satisfaction."

Rajasthan:

As in Himachal Pradesh, Idea has launched Super Saral and Super Second plans in Rajasthan. The difference lies only in the rate charge of vouchers. Existing subscribers can avail the Super Second offer with voucher of Rs 24 while new subscribers can get it for Rs 55. Similarly for Super Saral, existing subscribers can get it for Rs 23 while new subscribers can get it for Rs 60.

Mr. Sunil Kataria, Senior Vice President & Circle Head – Rajasthan, IDEA Cellular says, "This is yet another 'first' from IDEA in Rajasthan. With the 'Super Seconds' plan, IDEA subscribers in Rajasthan will get the lowest call tariffs in the country. Mobile users can now use their mobile phones with absolute freedom without worrying about time or geography. I am confident that this will redefine mobile telephony services in the state, and drive penetration deeper in the market."

Observation:

In the past, the GSM biggies have been alleged to have a cartel while following the tariff structure. This was even alleged by the CVC. Bu