Idea launches 3G mobile services; data plans detailed

Pan-India telecom operator Idea Cellular has launched its 3G mobile services in Madhya Pradesh – Chattisgarh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.

With Idea’s 3G services, you can make video calls, watch Live TV on your mobile phone, and upload and download heavy files at blazing fast speeds. Idea subscribers will get data transfer speeds of up to 21Mbps on their 3G-enabled mobile phones. Suggested read: Cheap 3G phones in India

The mobile operator has said that it will expand the reach of its 3G services to 200 towns of 11 3G telecom circles by mid-April. Also see: Reliance 3G launch in key metros

To get Idea 3G, subscribers based in Shimla, Indore and Ahmedabad can SMS ACT3G to 12345 (toll free) from their Idea mobile phones.

Idea 3G data plans

Idea has three tariff plans for its 3G subscribers: Sachet based, Time based and Usage based. These are detailed below.

Sachet based plans

Idea 3G sachets are available to prepaid users in denominations of Rs. 8 and Rs. 51. They carry free data of 10MB and 50MB with a validity period of 1 day and 3 days, respectively. Beyond that, services would be charged at 10p/10KB. You can use these packs to try out Idea 3G services.

Time based plans

These are available for both prepaid and postpaid customers of Idea Cellular and are best suited for uploads/downloads.

MRP (Rs.)       Time (Min)          Validity (Days)              Overage

47                           30                                           1                        Rs 3/min

80                           60                                           3                         Rs 3/min

145                         120                                         7                         Rs 3/min

Usage based plans

These are also available to both prepaid and postpaid Idea users.

For Prepaid Users

MRP (Rs.)            Free Data (MB)     Overage

105                         100                         10p/10kb

205                         250                         10p/10kb

455                         600                         10p/10kb

655                         1250                       10p/10kb

745                         2048                       10p/10kb

1745                       5120                       10p/10kb

For Postpaid Users

Postpaid

MRP (Rs.)            Free Data (MB)       Overage

100                         100                         10p/10kb

200                         250                         10p/10kb

450                         600                         10p/10kb

650                         1250                       10p/10kb

750                         2048                       10p/10kb

For heavy users, Idea has a Data Rate Cutter facility that will reduce your overage charges to 1p/10KB. This card carries a price tag of Rs. 55 and is valid for 30 days.

Idea 3G USB dongle

Idea Cellular’s 3G USB dongles are available in three denominations: Rs. 599, Rs. 750 and Rs. 1,275. These carry free data of 1GB, 2Gb and 5GB respectively. Usage above and over the free data would be charged at 5p/10KB.