Airtel Adds Free Outgoing Roaming & 100 SMS/Day to ₹349 Plan

[Mario D'souza]

The leading telecom network operator Bharti Airtel revised its popular ₹349 tariff plan to counter the new entrant Reliance Jio. Now, Airtel is offering free outgoing calls in roaming and 100 SMS per day.

As per the industry experts, this is a much-needed revision to stay in the business. Till now, the ₹349 plan offers unlimited local and STD calls and daily 1GB of 4G/3G data with a validity of 28 days.

Revised Airtel ₹ 349 Plan:

With the latest update, the ₹349 tariff plan now offers unlimited voice calls (local and STD), free outgoing calls in roaming, daily 1GB 4G/3G data and 100 SMS per day. All the benefits come with a validity of 28 days.

Incidentally, Bharti Airtel has been offering the same benefits with ₹399 plan valid for 84 days. However, this is limited to certain subscribers who are on 4G handset with 4G SIM in. This plan was launched to directly compete with Reliance Jio.

Differential Pricing by Bharti Airtel:

That said, if you own a 4G handset then ₹399 plan with 84 days validity gives an ultimate experience without changing the network. However, Reliance Jio’s unlimited voice calls during roaming had an advantage. But with the latest revision, Bharti Airtel is giving a tough fight to Reliance Jio.

By including free outgoing roaming and 100 SMS per day, Bharti Airtel has modified other unlimited plans including ₹399, ₹499, and ₹549. The telecom company is offering variable pricing ₹399 plan with a validity of 70 days to some users and 84 days for others. However, it is to be noted that the subscriber gets unlimited local and STD calls, daily 1GB 4G/3G data, and 100 SMS per day with a variation in validity period.

If you recharge with ₹499 plan, Airtel will offer unlimited local, STD and Landline calls and 1.25GB data per day (only on 4G handset with 4G SIM) or 2GB 4G/3G data for a period of 28 days.

Impact on Telecom Industry:

Similarly, the Airtel ₹549 tariff plan offers unlimited local and STD calls, free outgoing roaming calls, daily 2GB 4G/3G data, and 100 SMS per day for a period of 28 days.

Idea Cellular has also launched a similar prepaid plan - ₹357 tariff showering the same benefits. Hope these moves will add new subscribers for the incumbent telecom operators. It is quite evident that the recent price hike initiated by Reliance Jio is a breather.

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