Mobile Tarrifs might Fall in 2009

Mobile tariffs might fall in the coming year, since on Wednesday, the telecommunication regulator TRAI started reviewing various intra-operator
charges including those for calls landing in each other's network.

Issuing a consultation paper on "Review of Interconnection Usage Charge", TRAI has taken information from all stakeholders on various charges payable by operators to one another for carriage and termination of domestic and international calls.

The new telecommunication operators, who are awaiting to start offering mobile services, had argued the high rate of termination charge of 30 paise a minute and had demanded that it should be lowered to a maximum ceiling of 10 paise.

Termination charge is money paid by an operator to another operator on whose network the call ends.




TRAI has however maintained that termination charge cannot be reviewed in isolation. The whole of IUC, which comprises origination, termination, carriage and transit charges, needs to be reviewed.

The new telecommunication providers have said that since most of the calls originate from their networks would be terminated on the network of existing providers, payment of 30 paise a minute would leave very little scope for them to introduce innovative tariff schemes to their subscribers and would also put pressure on their margins.

Even Department of Telecommunication had intimated that termination charges need to be lowered, as the cost of building up networks has come down considerably over the last 4-5 years.

For mobile users, it is certainly a good news at the end of the year.

Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2009!

Mega value 499 Plan by Idea

Looks like Idea Cellular has some competitive plans under its belt. We saw one of its Idea free 275 Plan last week, and here is another equivalent plan carrying a higher monthly value. This plan is called ‘Mega Value 499".




The details of this plan are :

• Monthly Rent: Rs.499
• Free: Rs. 500 worth of local calls free and 200 local SMS
• Local calls to Idea numbers: 30paise
• Local calls to other mobile: 50paise
• National and Local SMS: 50paise
• All STD calls: Re.1

This plan by Idea has a considerable amount of free package although it provides half of what Airtel and Vodafone provides in their 399+ plans. The local calling and messaging rates are also pretty cheap. Might turn out to be a lucrative plan. Try it out.

Spice mobile launches touch screen S 930

Recently, Spice Mobile has launched a finger touch phone called S 930 at a cost of Rs. 7,999. S 930 is allegedly one of the cheapest phone to provide a multi-touch swipe experience now. The phone is integrated with a virtual keypad, 1 GB memory stick, a 2 mega pixel camera, a TV out cable, a USB card reader, and an additional battery.


Spice Mobile’s newly launched S 930 also has an MP3 player, stereo Bluetooth, FM Record & Playback, and comes preloaded with applications in tie-up along with Thomson Reuters for news alerts.
It's a very attractive phone leaded with features and provided in a pretty cheap price which ought not be missed. Hoping for more offers from Spice Mobiles in the future.

Aircel Lifetime 97 pack

Lifetime recharges are becoming more and more famous among the operators as it gives them platform to gain a minimum amount from them and also retain them to some extent. Aircel is giving the lifetime options to its existing customers at Rs.97.

The ERC97 pack is going to provide them with lifetime validity. For those who are new to Aircel can pay Rs.199 and opt for the lifetime validity plan thereby getting the same benefits. Sadly anyway, the cheap price does not get you a lot as calls and SMS’s (Local) are quite bad at Re.1 and STD calls at Rs. 1.50.

This could be avoided by getting one of the many packs being offered by Aircel to reduce the calling and SMS rates. Basically, the plan is there to attract users with a cheap price offer and then make them spend more by helping them cut costs. The plan can by uers availed in Tamil Nadu.

Platinum 2500 Plan by Tata Indicom

As corporate business phones are becoming more popular among the Corporate executives of companies, Tata Indicom decided to give them absolute freedom for the same. BlackBerry users or potential BlackBerry buyers would definitely vie for this one, provided that they really use the phone to its limit.

This specific plan by Tata Indicom gives users the facility to make as many calls, SMS’s and data usage as one can possibly think of, since everything is free. What you are going to pay for would be outgoing calls while you're roaming (incoming is free).

On one hand, the rental for this plan (Rs. 2500) seems to be enormous, we also need to take into account that this plan has been devised for the classes and not the masses. This wouldn’t be much of a concern for the busy Indian businessman or top executives, also for the potential user of this plan, which is why we see this plan working well for Tata Indicom.

Platnum 2500 is a very good plan by Tata Indicom for working people who want quality service and a business supporting plan.

Talk Free 275 Idea Plan

This is one extremely good inter-circle calling plan from Idea that is available. It is called the New Talk Free 275 plan and is accessible by Delhi – NCR circle subscribers.




The plan details are:

• Monthly Rental: Rs. 275
• CLIP: Free
• Monthly freebie: 5000 minutes local calling (Idea to Idea)
• Calling charge to all other local numbers: 50p/min
• Local SMS: Re 1/SMS
• STD calling charge to all numbers: Rs 1.50/min

The amazing 5000 minutes free for local Idea to Idea calling makes this plan a great boon for the Idea subscribers. Monthly charges of Rs. 275 makes the local calling rate to all Idea numbers come down to approximately 18 p/min.

New Prepaid Packs for Delhi NCR by Airtel

Tying to get new users, Airtel has launched some new plans in the Delhi NCR circle. The prepaid packs are initiated at bringing in affordability, by offering reduced call rates for both local and STD.



Here are the details:

Plan 1 : Local calling @ 60paise

• Calls to Airtel numbers at 50 paise
• Calls to other networks at 60 paise
  
• Rs.124 voucher for a 3 month validity
  
• Rs.49 voucher for a month’s validity.

Plan 2 : STD @ Re.1

• STD Calling at Re.1
• Rs.90 voucher for 3 months validity
• Rs.40 voucher for 1 month validity

Plan 3 : Local and STD

• STD Calling @ Re.1
• Calls to Airtel numbers at 50paise
• Calls to other networks at 60paise
• Rs.77 for a month’s validity
• Rs.201 for a 3 month validity

The prepaid packs seems to be quite affordable and the multiple price points at which they are being offered, helps it to be more attractive for users. All the three plans by Airtel are good value for money, especially the last one.

Vodafone Bonus Cards (Delhi NCR)

Bonus cards is a very exciting feature offered by Vodafone. The main purpose of Bonus Cards is to reduce your calling or SMS charges for a fixed monthly amount. Many other providers give these offers but Vodafone has useful and cheaper ones. There as some pretty good bonus cards available for Vodafone in Delhi/NCR.





Here are the details:

* Bonus Card 29: Gets you all local and National SMS @ 29 p /SMS
* Bonus Card 31: Make all Local & STD calls @ Re 1 / min
* Bonus Card 35: Gets you 300 local SMS’s
* Bonus Card 149: Call 1000 Local Vodafone minutes for free.
* Bonus Card 50: Make all Local calls at a flat rate of @ 50p / min
* Bonus Card 110: Make Local calls @ 50p / min & STD calls @ Re 1 / min
* Bonus Card 124: Make Local Vodafone calls @ 10p / min & Local Mobile calls @ 50p / min.




All the above cards have a validity of a month. We would recommend people to consider their needs before they buy such cards. These cards are designed to suit different purposes. Depending upon your usage choose your best bet.

Cheers to Vodafone for introducing such offers in Delhi/NCR too.

Airtel Delhi-New Offers

Bharti Airtel announced the launching of three new prepaid schemes for the Delhi and NCR subscribers.

One such recharge scheme is at Rs. 99/- offering subscribers STD calls at Re. 1/- per minute for 90 days whereas the price is Rs. 40/- for 30 days validity.

A recharge voucher of Rs. 124/- offers local calls to Airtel phones at 50 paise per minute and to other subscribers at 60 paise per minute with a validity of 90 days while the same offer for 30 days comes at Rs. 49/-.

Another scheme offers STD calls to any mobile at Re. 1/- per minute; Local Airtel to Airtel at 50 paise per minute and local Airtel to other mobiles at 60 paise per minute for 90 days, by recharging with Rs. 201/-, whereas the 30 days recharge for the same offer is at Rs.77/-.

Shashi Arora, CEO – Bharti Airtel Ltd. (Mobile Services), Delhi & NCR said, “Airtel has always led the market in ushering affordability and convenience for its customers. These value vouchers present a greater value-for-money and cost saving opportunity than ever before. We are positive that this initiative will greatly benefit Airtel prepaid customers in the Delhi & NCR region in making STD and local calls at significantly lower rates.”

Virgin launches Rs 2,000-odd phones

Virgin Mobile has further enhanced its handset portfolio by launching vDesire. The slim vDesire measures 11.5 mm, has chrome finish and claims to have 1000 SMS storage capability.



The phone supports a large internal phone book with 500 X 5 entries and comes with 65K color screen, FM radio, stereo headset, speaker phone, prepaid connection and lifetime validity at a price point of just Rs 1,699. The handset also allows user’s one-touch access to vbytes, Virgin Mobile's data portal, from where they can download wallpapers, ring tones and games.

Delighted to announce the vDesire phone in India, Deval Parikh, Chief Officer, Handsets, VAS & Procurement, Virgin Mobile India said, "Constant access to social circles is a top priority for youth consumers. The need for style and instant communication has hit the younger generation like never before and SMSing has become an integral part of their lifestyle today. Keeping this in mind, we have introduced the vDesire phone that comes with a harmonious blend of style and features at a price that no other phone offers in this space".

The company which targets the youth segment has claims to have given its handsets a blend of style and features. This includes introduction of a few bundled offers such as vKewl, vBling, vSleek, vTrendy and vSwing.



vKewl has features like video recording, 1.3 megapixel camera, MP3 player, FM radio and is loaded with MMS, speakers and headset and is priced at Rs 3,499.

vBling offers a mirror finished, dual screen, clam shell handset bundled with lifetime validity and a prepaid connection at >Rs 2,199 whereas vSleek is an ultra slim phone priced at Rs 3,299 bundled with lifetime validity and a starter user kit. The color screen vTrendy is priced at Rs 1,499.

Virgin is trying to encompass the entire Indian cellular market with it's affordable yet attractive packages.

SMS and Call rates supposedly to reduce further

It’s been almost a year since TRAI, the telecommunication regulator, has asked operators to reduce SMS charges. However, with the Telecom companies not doing much about it, the regulator is ready to take some action, if the operators turn a deaf ear this time again. Apart from this, TRAI is of the opinion that the Indian user is being exploited on the ‘calling’ front. Users have been complaining of calls getting cut due to network problems and thus having to pay for a whole minute even if the call lasted for 10 seconds.
The regulator is ready to put pressure on the Telcom companies, which eventually lead to SMS charges witnessing a decrease and operators taking necessary steps to strengthen their connectivity. If this is not possible we might see some operators reducing pulse rate, which currently stands at 60 seconds. This has been done by players like BPL, who had a one second pulse rate i.e. you are only charged for the number of seconds you spoke. On the whole, the future looks bright and cheap for the Indian users.

Airtel Mobile Campus!

Airtel has again come up with an exiting new feature called the "Mobile Campus". The m-Campus prepaid card isn’t just another prepaid plan – it makes you eligible to become a member of an exclusive mobile community called “Airtel Mobile Campus” where you can stay connected to your friends, campus & other social networks anytime, anywhere and can also get awesome discounts & benefits like FREE SMS, Movie Tickets & much much more!


Access Mobile Campus link using “Airtel Live” GPRS settings. Enjoy FREE WAP browsing on Mobile Campus!
Here’s how you can join the mobile community -->

Step 1: Three very simple steps to join Mobile Campus:

• Send SMS with key word <mcampus> to 54321 (toll free) to get Mobile Campus link in your inbox

• Visit Airtel Live WAP portal at http://live.airtelworld.com and click on “Airtel Mobile Campus” banner, OR,

• Simply type in http://mobilecampus.airtelworld.com .

Step 2: On doing the above you will reach the join page of Airtel Mobile Campus (shown below). Simply click on the “Join” button. Step 3: After clicking join you will be registered to the Mobile Campus and will just have to fill your name and other details to get started. Step 4: After clicking on the Submit button you are now in your Mobile Campus zone!. GO on and explore all the cool features, add / invite friends, send them blast SMSes for free and enjoy other benefits in the My rewards Section!

Features: Status update: This is your space to tell the world what you are upto at anytime!. Your status is set as “Happy on Mobile Campus” by default. To change this click on the “update” button next to the status Mood: Happy, sad, naughty? You can set your mood to as per your feelings here. About me: Use this space to tell other members a little about yourself. You can update this by clicking on the “Update Profile” button. My Photos: Click, upload and share your photos instantly! My Videos: Take, upload and share your vids instantly to those missing out on the fun! My Nano Blogs: Who wants to write long un-ending blogs – keep it short simple and witty with Nano blogs and express yourself the way you want or simply provide some entertainment to other members! My Nano Blogs: Who wants to write long un-ending blogs – keep it short simple and witty with Nano blogs and express yourself the way you want or simply provide some entertainment to other members! Blast ur Friends: Having a party or just catching up with friends? Why not send them a reminder to not to miss out using the Blast ur Friends feature. Just click on the “Blast ur Friends” link in the My Friends section and send ur blasts for FREE as long as you have available Wap to phone sms balance. vSMS: Sometimes an SMS cant express what you want to say. Why not send a Voice SMS in your very own voice! Invite Friends: Your friends are not on Mobile Campus? Then get them on and get rewarded. Use the “invite friends” link in the My friends section and send an invite to users on their mobile. Also get 20 points when your friend joins the Mobile Campus! You can also add a friend who is already on Mobile Campus by just clicking on his/her profile. m-Campus Home: Visit this page to see what’s happening on the Mobile Campus – who’s new, what’s latest and more. My College & All Colleges - Home: Here’s where you can get connected to your college campus and be in the know of events, campus celebs and more. Time Pass Applications: Want to kill some time? Just check out the applications and have loads of fun! My Rewards: Offers and more! Here’s where you get it all. Just stay tuned in for the best deals. You can keep a track of your credit points, WAP to phone SMS balance and can also redeem your points here. With this Airtel mobile Campus offer, you can be connected constantly with your mates and win exiting offers at the same time.

Group Plan and Offers by Trump

MTNL has launched another nice plan under its prepaid ones - Trump. It’s a group plan in which a Trump user can register a maximum of 9 Dolphin or Trump subscribers and enjoy the benefits of this group plan amongst the registered numbers.



The details of the plan are:

• Service charge for the main number – Rs 30/month
• One time charge for registering a group member – Rs 10/number
• Call and SMS charges within group – 10p/min and 10p/SMS

MTNL has also introduced a limited period offer for its Trump users. Now with every top-up recharge of Rs 300 and Rs 500, it is providing more talk-time than they initially offered.

With a top-up of Rs 300, it is providing a talk value of Rs 300 which is 12% more than the previous value of Rs 267. Similarly for a top-up of Rs 500, users now get a talk value of Rs 525 which is 18% more than the previous value of Rs 445. That is not it! During this limited period, MTNL is also providing Trump subscribers a chance to win upto 250 grams of gold if they recharge with Rs 300 or more.

The group plan is very attractive and along with the other following recharges, you are all set to make calls all over the city. What's better than having a group plan extending to so many friends!

3G hits India finally with MTNL!

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday launched the country’s first 3G technology-based mobile services of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) in Delhi, making live TV, high speed data download and video streaming on mobile phone a reality in India.
To mark the inauguration, Dr. Singh received a video call from Telecom Minister A. Raja, who was also present at the launch.
Dr. Singh said that for urban India, 3G and wireless broadband would offer the convenience of mobility with the rich multimedia content of the Internet. “But it is in rural India that I hope to see them making an invaluable contribution,” he said.


MTNL, a service provider in Delhi and Mumbai, would extend the 3G services in Mumbai by the end of next month. The company was still working on the tariffs, but they are likely to be affordable, MTNL chairman and managing director R.S.P. Sinha said.
Users will be able to experience speeds of upto 2Mbps, much higher than those currently being offered - upto 140kbps. Next service operator expected to follow suit will be BSNL.
This is excellent news for India and proof of the rising technology in the country.

Airtel's International Calling Cards

Airtel's International Calling Cards are a new and an easy way of making ISD calls to your friends & family living abroad. Now call International calls for as low as Rs 1.99/min.

Options available are :



How to use the International Calling card
On recharge you will receive a confirmatory SMS with a 10 digit account number & then follow the following process:

• Dial a toll free number 1802103 (accessible through Airtel Mobiles only)
• Listen to the IVR and follow instructions
• The ‘Airtel IVR would request you to dial your “Account number”
• Enter the 10 digit account number which you received in the confirmatory SMS.
• After you dial the account number the card balance would be announced.
• This would be followed by another IVR asking you to dial the destination number.
• Now enter the destination number as per your requirement. For an international Destination, dial 00 followed by the destination number. For calls within India , dial 0 followed by 10 digit number.

Imp : Please make note of the Secret account number sent as part of welcome SMS. You will need account details every time you make a call through International calling card.

International calling cards available through Easy Charge across all Airtel retailers.

Airtel - Sony Ericsson Handset Bundle Offer

An awesome offer for a starter who wants to buy a cellphone along with a SIM card. Airtel is giving a prepaid plan with a stylish Sony Ericsson phone as a package.



The following handsets are available with the offer(cost includes the plan) :

• Sony Ericsson J120i Color Phone with FM worth Rs. 1899/-

• Sony Ericsson J121i Color Phone with FM worth Rs. 1925/-

• Sony Ericsson W200i - Walkman Phone worth Rs. 4795/-

The features of the plan along with the handsets are :

* Pulse Rate : 60 Sec Pulse

* Free Airtime on Pack : Rs. 10

* Incoming Calls : Free

* Local Calls : Re. 1

* Std Calls : Rs. 1.50

* USA, Canada, Europe (Fixed Line), Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand : Rs. 6.40

* Gulf, Europe (Mobile), SAARC countries, Africa & Rest of the world : Rs. 9.20

* Cuba, Sao Tome & Principe, Guinea Bissau, Diego Garcia, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Tokelau, Norfolk Island, Sakhalin : Rs. 40

SMS :

* Local : Re. 1
* National : Rs. 1.50
* International : Rs. 5

Vodafone Launches Blackberry Storm

Vodafone Group has launched the BlackBerry Storm smartphone in all its global markets which is a result of the long-term alliance between RIM (Research in Motion) and Vodafone. The BlackBerry Storm is the first ever ‘clickable’ touch screen smartphone and will be available exclusively on Vodafone’s high speed 3G mobile broadband network in Europe, India, Australia and New Zealand soon.

The 3.25″ ‘clickable’ touch screen gives users the sensation of actually pressing down on virtual keys, which also lights up when touched. This makes it easy to type texts and e-mails as well as navigate through the phone’s functions. This phone is the most advanced smartphone to date from RIM’s stable and would be positioned globally in competition to Apple’s iPhone, though it would obviously be targeted at business customers.
The phone is stylish and now can be availed by anyone who would like the power of Blackberry and Vodafone in their hands.

Vodafone Launches "Vodafone Tuesday" in Delhi - Vodafone launches iPhone 3G

‘Vodafone Tuesday’ is a scheme which allows a Vodafone subscriber to acquire two movie tickets and meals at a price of one. Vodafone Mumbai subscribers have been enjoying this scheme since long. Now it is available to Delhi/NCR subscribers too.

This scheme restricted to Tuesdays, will allow Vodafone users in Delhi/NCR to watch movies at all outlets of Satyam (Nehru Place, Patel Nagar and Janak Puri) and DT Cinemas (Gurgaon), and dine at restaurants like Bercos, Tantra, The Rock Café, Little Italy, and many more.
It's a great offer for a city full of food lovers and movie buffs!

The Apple iPhone 3G, the phone everyone's waiting for, is now available on Vodafone. 8 GB is available in black and 16 GB in both black or white.
With fast 3G wireless technology, Maps with GPS, support for enterprise features like Microsoft Exchange, and the new App Store, iPhone 3G puts even more amazing features in your hands. And just like the original iPhone, it combines three products in one - a revolutionary phone, a wide screen iPod, and a breakthrough Internet device with rich HTML email and full web browsing. It redefines what a mobile phone can do - again.
You can also chose your voice and data plans. It is available also in an EMI scheme. Sooner, you can have 3G in your hands.

Idea Super Saver 699

IDEA postpaid cards are an effective way of keeping in touch, no matter where you are. This time Idea has come up with a Super Saver 699 plan for postpaid users.

The Entry level costs are as follows :

• Activation Fee - Rs. 250/-
• Plan Enrollment Fee - Rs. 250/(to be converted into refundable security deposit after 2years)
• Security Deposit - NIL

Total monthly charges :

• Monthly Rental - Rs. 699/-
• CLI Feature (Rent/month) - Rs. 0/- (Optional)

*1000 Local Mobile Minutes+225 STD Minutes(All STD) is available with this plan.
*300 (Local/National P2P SMS Free) is also included.
*30 MB Free Data transfer (GPRS)Data Usage is allowed. Charges beyond 30 MB will be 1p/KB.

*There is a 12% service tax along with 3% educational cess on the service tax.
*Moreover, Subscribers can exit any time by submitting an application.
*In any case if the SIM has to be replaced only Rs. 75 is charged for it.

Local calls to any mobile is chargeable at 30p/min and to fixed lines at 50p/min.
STD to anywhere in India, may it be mobiles or fixed lines is chargeable at Re 1.

ISD Charges are as follows :

• To USA,Canada,Singapore and Hong Kong : Rs. 6.40 /min
• To Europe, Australia, SAARC,Gulf : Rs. 9.19 /min
• Rest of the World : Rs. 49.20/min

Local/National/International(Mobile to Mobile) SMS are charged at Rs. 0.25 / 0.50 / 5.00 /- per sms respectively.
The monthly rental is only Rs. 699 for this Super Saver pack and the features are way too many. A perfect plan for saving. What an IDEA!

Virgin STD/Local calls at 50p!

Think VIRGIN and think new. Virgin mobile has come up with this plan especially for STD facilities. After TRAI had slashed the STD rates to Rs 1.50, only Reliance and Virgin came up with 50p offers. Reliance charges a rental of Rs 249 to avail this offer.
   The Virgin offer features are as follows :

• With this all new offer from Virgin Mobile, calls to any number, anywhere in India is 50 paise/minute.
• The starter kit that you have to buy comes for Rs 99.
• If you are an existing customer, you can make the switch for a recharge of Rs. 12
  (This recharge also offers full talktime after Tax deduction)
•   The more you call in a day, the more you save. You can save up to Rs. 900 in a month on  STD alone.

However, there are certain conditions that apply along with this offer. It is obviously not mentioned in the advertisements that are shown.

•  For the first 3 local minutes of the day, your calls will be charged @ Rs.1/min. From the 4th local minutes onwards, you will be charged 50p/min.
• For the first 3 STD minutes of the day, your calls will be charged @ Rs.1.5/min. From the 4th STD minutes onwards, you will be charged 50p/min.
• STD calls @ 50p/min are subject to a maximum of 30 mins per day.

The biggest disadvantage is that only 30 minutes of talktime would be charged 50p. After that the regular tarrifs apply. This is a good pack if you want to save a little and if your calling is restricted to not more than 30 minutes to an STD number per day. Pretty good for an average caller.

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Tata indicom slash Datacard service rentals

Tata Indicom has announced the slashed USB modem prices,Plug2Surf WHIZ for Rs 2,249. The operator also have an offer of waiving 50% of first two months rentals on Rs 1099 unlimited plan for its new subscribers. Offer will be available till Nov, 30.

Vineet Bhatia, Chief Operating Officer, Delhi Circle, Tata Teleservices Ltd. said, “Mobile data usage is on the rise in India. We realized that consumers don”t want to be surprised by additional costs to their cell phone bills. Keeping consumer requirements in mind, Unlimited Data Plan 1099 has been designed to provide our patrons with a bundled usage limit that allows for unlimited data usage, whilst providing voice and SMS as per tariff and tremendous cost savings.

Internet card services currently are given by all Indian Telecom giants Reliance Communication, BSNL, Airtel and TataIndicom. The need and in turn demand for this kind of mobile surfing feature increases day-by -day. However, technology for this service has not reached maturity evidence being high cost modems and low performance to give a negative impression. In between, offers like this will be a good news only for the subcribers who have no other options for internet surfing service fit for their frequent mobility.