Airtel Launches Bundled Prepaid Packs to Offer Free Voice Calls Across India to Counter Jio

[Mario D'souza]

To counter Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel has finally started reacted to it. The country’s largest mobile operator Bharti Airtel has announced the launch of two bundled prepaid packs to offer free voice calls across India. In what could be termed as a strategic price cut, Bharti Airtel announced unlimited voice calls and substantial data benefit at 145 and 345 respectively with a validity of 28 days.

Benefits of Airtel ₹145 Pack:

Under the recharge plan of ₹145, the Airtel subscribers can make free local and STD calls within the Airtel network. Along with it, the 4G ready handsets will get 300MB data with a validity of 28 days. If the subscriber holds a basic mobile phone then 50MB data will be bundled to surf web and access social media apps in a lighter note.

Benefits of Airtel ₹345 Pack:

Priced at ₹345, this Airtel pack offers free voice calls (both local and STD) to any network across the country. Along with it, the 4G ready handsets will get 1GB data with a validity of 28 days. For basic mobile handsets, the pack will offer only 50MB data meant for basic internet access.

Commenting on the launch of new bundled prepaid packs, Mr. Ajai Puri, Director- Market Operations (India & South Asia), Bharti Airtel said, “This is another initiative from us to bring innovative bundle offers to our customers in line with our endeavour to provide the great value backed by a superior network experience.”

Differential Pricing Across Circles:

It is to be noted that Sunil Mittal-driven Bharti Airtel is the India’s largest telecom operator with over 260 million mobile subscribers in all 22 telecom circles. Out of 22, Airtel 4G services are currently available in 21 telecom circles. The prices for the new bundled prepaid Airtel packs may vary in different circles. For example, these packs are available at ₹149 and ₹349 respectively in most of the South Indian states.

Survival for the Fittest Race:

With Reliance Jio craze showing no sign of subsiding, all the major telecom companies are coming out with some specific unlimited offers. Two days ago, it is reported that the state-run BSNL would be offering free voice calls at ₹149. Aircel launched free on-net calls with FRC 148. Similarly, Reliance Communications with its 149 Unlimited plan is already making the headlines. Now, the me-too companies Vodafone India and Idea Cellular would soon follow the steps of Bharti Airtel to retain its subscribers amidst stiff competition from the new entrant Reliance Jio.