MTNL which is struggling to push uptake for its 3G Jadoo services is offering its subscribers in Delhi Life Time validity with tariffs lower than 2G for voice and data.

The video calls are at par with voice call charges priced at 20 paise per minute on intra local network and 50 paise per minute for local calls to other networks.

The card offers 30 minutes of free video call and up to 25 MB of free data transfer. Additional data coupons priced at Rs 50 will also be offered. NO data roaming charges will be applicable to subscribers.

Mr. R.S.P. Sinha, CMD of MTNL, announced the festive offer, saying, “This Festive Offer effectively brings 3G at more affordable prices than even 2G and will help in dispelling the perception that MTNL’s 3G Jadoo is a very  expensive service. Further, MTNL is also committed to strengthen the 3G ecosystem through customer education and industry partnerships. This will help in bringing down the entry barrier for 3G devices and increase 3G usage.”

MTNL has tied up with handset manufacturers such as Micromax with which it is offering a 3G handset priced at Rs 5,499. Other manufacturers in alliance include Nokia and HTC. For computing devices, MTNL has tied up with HCL and DELL.

Mr. J V Ramamurthy, Chief Operating Officer, HCL Infosystems Ltd said,   “HCL’s 3G enabled ME netbook comes with an embedded 3G Module and a SIM card slot. With MTNL launching 3G device partnerships and attractive plans today, it is indeed an excellent platform for us to launch this netbook .” The 3G enabled HCL netbooks will be available in the market from mid November onwards.

V Ramnath, Head Operator Channel Nokia India said , “Nokia is committed to drive the benefits of true mobility to the next billion and is delighted to partner with MTNL in its special 3G offers to customers across select Nokia devices to enhance customer experience.”

Mr. Rajesh Agrawal of Micromax, said, “Delivering best of the technology and path breaking innovation has always been our priority. We work towards bringing exclusive technology in the hands of the masses. A 3G Mobile is still considered an expensive piece of technology, but H360 is here to break all the rules. The journey of 3G in India has just begun and there is a need for mass awareness of 3G. We are thankful to MTNL for having worked with us to enable us to bring forth a revolutionary product for the Indian 3G subscribers. We are confident that this handset will redefine the 3G experience in India and with increasing awareness and availability, 3G mobiles will gain mass popularity.”  

Speaking about Dell’s tie-up with MTNL to offer notebooks with embedded 3G module, Mahesh Bhatia, Director and GM of Consumer Sales said “This partnership is in line with Dell’s objective to provide complete ‘computing on the go’ solution to its customers.  Digital nomads, road warriors and avid web surfers will be able to connect to a mobile broadband network anytime, anywhere.”