Himanshu Singh

Idea Delhi has launched an SMS pack for select postpaid plans for both new and existing subscribers. Monthly rent for sms pack= Rs.35 Benefits- 300 local sms free/month This package is applicable on: Value 200 Plan 299 Talk free 275 ARP 998 for 1 year ARP 998 for 2 years I think its a new beginning made my Idea cellular in Delhi circle for the benefit of postpaid customers.

The Indian telecom customer has become wise. With telecom tariffs on a downward spiral, mobile customers are resorting to making a direct call rather then send a text message, also called SMS. Even as the average minutes of mobile phone usage is showing an upward trend, this has had a direct impact on operators’ revenues from SMSes. Latest figures released by sector regulator TRAI reveal that customers preference for texting in India has hit an all time low. From accounting for close to 8-9% of the operators’ revenues at one point, texting now provides GSM players with 4.3% of their total revenues, while for CDMA operators, it is a mere 1.8%. According to TRAI, the average number of SMSes that customers sent has fallen by 7% for GSM and 6% for CDMA operators during the last quarter. An average GSM user sent about 26 SMSes a month in the quarter ended March 08, compared to 28 SMSes a month in the previous quarter (Oct-Dec 07), 32 a month in the July-Sept quarter, 35 in the April-June quarter, 39 in the Jan-March quarter and 48 in Oct-Dec 06 quarter, TRAI said. Ditto on the CDMA front — the number of outgoing SMSes by customers using this technology platform fell to 16 per month after remaining flat at 17 per month for nearly half year prior to that, at 20 per month in Apr-June and 24 in Jan-March 07).

Government's proposal to allow existing GSM operators keep extra spectrum lying with them after levying a one-time fee may actually cause a revenue loss of Rs 10,000 crore annually to the exchequer, say industry sources. According to sources, the Department of Telecom is considering to charge a fixed amount for spectrum beyond the prescribed 6.2 MHz held by some of the leading mobile operators. Communications and IT Minister A Raja, who met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last week, is understood to have briefed him about the proposal. According to sources, the government gave the approval for one-time pricing beyond 6.2 MHz of spectrum (radio frequency) in terms of enhancing the spectrum fee by 1 per cent more of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) of a cellular operator. Cellular operators having beyond 8MHz of spectrum will be required to pay two per cent more of the AGR, sources said. These proposals would now be discussed by the Telecom Commission, a decision making body of the DoT, before being implemented. When contacted, some of the new mobile operators and a few CDMA players criticised the proposal saying if implemented, this would leave no room for them to expand their services in future in view of scarcity of spectrum. A CDMA operator had earlier demanded that the extra spectrum held by mobile operators beyond 6.2 MHz should be returned immediately or it should be priced appropriately. As per a DoT policy, the start-up spectrum has to be given in a tranche of 4.4 MHz, but in many cases it has allotted 6.2 MHz. Most of the existing GSM players have been allotted 10 MHz or even higher in some of the circles based on the number of subscribers, as decided earlier. CDMA operators had earlier raised the matter with the DoT over what they call an in discriminatory approach of allotting extra frequency to GSM players. However, with sharp differences between the various players on how extra spectrum should be priced and allocated, the government has a tough task at hand in reaching a solution.

Dear friends, I have decided to use State-run Telecom services only.I have dumped Reliance and soon I would dump Idea as well.I am using MTNL pre paid and post paid services as of now. Its my humble request to those who think MTNL/BSNL 'NOW'are good operators to DUMP the private telcos and heave a sigh of relief from inflated billings, ridiculous schemes every now and then, mulitiplicity of plans to confuse you and stuff like that and above all impolite, discourteous customer care idiots. This way you also help the Govt of India to earn revenues that are much needed for the social sector expenditures.

One of the wiser friend here complains that BSNL exchange is unfriendly, network is poor, call cente is pathetic. 1st-Dude I must say that it might be a local problem in your own state and most importantly in your own local area.Based upon your experience you should not make generalisations. 2nd-I guess you havent had the opportunity to visit a reliance web world. If you went there any day of the year just see around. You would realise something which you should then share with us here. 3rd- I have used all operators and I know why my philosophy changed. Private telcos are out to make profits at any cost that includes restricting competition, using unfair trade practices and cheatig unsuspecting customers.The money we pay to them goes as profits to an individual or a group of individuals who dont care what is happening in our country.They might do some charity and take up some social sector project but thats just a cosmetic thing to do. On the other hand the revenues earned by public sector companies go to the government coffers which are used for such things as NREGA,Farmers' loan waiver, IAW...the list goes on.We can become contributors to such schemes by just using mtnl/bsnl.Thats what I thought of doing.That has changed my philosophy. I am not requesting such people who feel BSNL/MTNL are poor service providers.My post doesnt concern them at all.

Guys, I had expected worse criticism than what I witness here. But most of you seem to have missed the point. I requested only those who thought MTNL/BSNL are providing better services to change over. Did I ask people who dont think so to change over?Why should I ask people who have billing/network/CC problems to change over? I wouldnt subscribe to a sud standard service even if it is from a public sector company. Friends I requested people like me who have used other operators and have found MTNL/BSNL to be as satisfactory if not more to change over.In Delhi I have used every other operator and I must admit I am very happy with MTNL.

MTNL has reduced the cost of new start up kit from Rs 155 to Rs.99 and offers Rs.55 TT.So effectively the cost of the sim is Rs 44.

AIR INTELLIGENCE AUTHORITY last night seized 2 private planes of RIL due to underpayment of custome duty at Mumbai Airport. An aircraft purchased for private use attracts 19% custom duty whereras RIL payed only 10%. RIL cant use the planes till further orders.

MTNL has launched Top-Ups in 2 denominations Rs.50 top up offers Rs 42 TT Rs.25 top up offers Rs.20 TT. Earlier the top up started with Rs.100 denomination.

MTNL has launched Lifetime plans for both prepaid trump and postpaid dolphin. New prepaid customers need to pay Rs. 150+service tax= Rs169 for lifetimes validity sim card with Rs.50 TT. New postpaid customers need to pay Rs. 150+service tax= Rs169 for lifetimes validity sim card. TRUMP JEEVAN SATHI (PREPAID) MRP (inclusive of Tax)-Rs. 169/- Free Talk Value-Rs. 50/- Validity-Lifetime Call charges 1. Local : i) To MTNL GSM N/W- Rs. 0.90/Min. ii)To others-Rs. 1.00 min. 2. Std to all- Re.1.25/min SMS charges i) Local Rs. 0.50/sms ii) National Rs. 1.50/sms iii) International Rs. 4.00/sms DOLPHIN JEEVAN SATHI PLAN (POSTPAID) Activation charges- Nil One time service charges-Rs. 169/- CLI- free Call charges: 1. Local: i) To MTNL GSM N/W- Rs. 0.80/ Min. ii) To others- Rs. 1.00/min. 2. STD-Rs. 1.25/min. SMS Charges i) Local-Rs.0.25/sms ii) National -Rs.1.00/sms iii) International-Rs. 2.50/sms Existing prepaid customers who wish to migrate to lifetime plans can recharge with Rs.225 card to enjoy Rs.50 TT and lifetime validity.This card shall be available at sanchar hats wef July 2, 2008.

Guys, MTNL Delhi has launched Special Tariff Vouchers for the first time. Now finally they seem to have woken up from their sleep. Following are the 2 pre-paid tariff cards that would be available wef July 1, 2008 1.Local call pack@Rs.50 all local calls@50 paise valid for 30 days. 2.Local sms pack@Rs30 for 600 local sms on all networks valid for 30 days.It translates into 5paise/sms. This sms pack is the best deal in Delhi as of now.Idea and Vodafone offer 300 sms for Rs.35. Reliance offers 500 sms for Rs.25 which is able to match MTNL in this regard. Similar tariff packs would be launched for post paid but the announcemet is awaited.

Well I would like to join the issues with those who still think that MTNL network is poorer as compared to others. I use reliance, idea, mtnl, and airtel. And out of these at my place idea has the best network followed by mtnl and reliance.Airtel is the worst at my place. Not only in n/w but also the value for money is very good for mtnl. Value added services provided by MTNL now is the best in the industry. MTNL Delhi has today launched MTNL buzz another portal for mobile downloads. MTNL provide the caller ring back tone at the most competitive rates. MTNL mumbai charges 20/month while MTNL delhi charges 25/month. All other operators charge 30/month. MTNL postpaid provides unlimited GPRS@349/month as compared to Rs.499 by airtel and Rs.500/month by idea.Vodafone postpaid provides 1GB free usage for Rs.499/month. MTNL postpaid has unlimited on net SMS@Rs30.I am not sure other operators have unlimited on net local sms pack in postpaid. MTNL prepaid charges only 25paise/local sms even while on roaming.And if you have vidyarthi card in prepaid then you continue to enjoy unlimited local sms facility even while roaming. For example if i went to channai and sms to delhi local numbers (any operator) i wont be charged. MTNL gives a bonus talktime of Rs.50/month if someone uses more than Rs400 TT in a month. Anyone? MTNL offers Rs250 TT on Rs.225 top up.Similarly Rs650 on Rs.565 top up. Now heres another fact that most of us might have missed.MTNL postpaid lifetime connection comes for Rs.169 with free clip. No operator at the moment offers lifetime postpaid connection except Vodafone which is charging Rs.999 for it. And they are charging clip@ Rs.49/month. Even those who offer 1/2/3 years connection in postpaid charge clip@Rs.49/month. STD charges for mtnl are the cheapest at the moment@1.25/min.With the introduction of local and sms packs the deal becomes the best in Delhi.

guys idea delhi is extending the validity of its loyal subscribers without any re charge. for example my gang card validity was till august 26 2008. but yesterday when i checked my balance my validity was shown expiring on october 31 2009. i called up the cc and on asking about it they told me its being done in case of subscribers who have been using idea for at least a year or so. hence idea rocks.

thanks dear for the suggestion. i think idea charges rs 20 per day in pre paid while it charges 500 per month in post paid. earlier idea used to charge only rs 5 for pre paid. they raised the rates in december last. right now i use dolphin post paid for unlimited which comes to about rs 349 a month.is anything cheaper than this with any operator. i am told corporate connections offer unlimited gprs only for 99 a month. anyone here can get me one such plan? Airtel provides the unlimited GPRS on Postpaid for the corporates for few corporates it's Rs 99 per month and for few its 199 per month. idea provides unlimited GRPRS @ 99 for the corporates. you can check in your company if they have corporate connection or else take the connection with the help of some of your fren who si working in company where Airtel/Idea provides Corporate plan Thanks. do u kmw someone who can get me one in delhi.i have been trying to get one for me.

Thats good. but is it delhi you are talking of? and confirm to me about gprs plan available with vodafone corporate conn.also tell me the details of your tariff plan.

you are right but what if you know someone who works with a telco and looks after the corporate connection issues.

Dude its nt so difficult to get it.you just need to knw whom to approach.

thanks dear for the suggestion. i think idea charges rs 20 per day in pre paid while it charges 500 per month in post paid. earlier idea used to charge only rs 5 for pre paid. they raised the rates in december last. right now i use dolphin post paid for unlimited which comes to about rs 349 a month.is anything cheaper than this with any operator. i am told corporate connections offer unlimited gprs only for 99 a month. anyone here can get me one such plan?

I got an offer from Reliance today on one of my numbers whose validity has expired in april but i am still getting incoming calls. They asked me to recharge with Rs.26 for 6 months validity and Rs25 on net talktime.

Dude i still use reliance. i only meant that i have also been using idea and mtnl prepaid and postpaid and out of all gsm operators i have found idea to be the best in terms of tariff, fair trade practices, signal strength,customer care support and value for money. reliance is still way ahead and i am waiting for reliance gsm in delhi.the only reason i opted for gsm connections was the poor battery of handset with reliance. and talking of sms reliance is offering 500 local sms for 25 rupees while idea and vodafone charge 35 rupees for 300 sms in delhi.

I awished to knw whats the best gprs plan in delhi?

This tariff was for delhi only. I am told the tariffis not as good for other states.

I am using Idea ever since I left Reliance.And its a common knowledge in Delhi and NCR that Idea does offer such attractive schemes to its subscribers who go in grace period. I had an Idea number whose validity expired on Dec.31, 2007. It went in the grace period. When after 2 months I put the sim in my cell I received an sms which offered me this: Recharge with Rs.100 today and get Rs.74 TT +100 mins Idea to Idea local calls free+1 year validity. In fact some of my friends too have had such offers at different times. Talking of tariff I had once posted here that the best prepaid tariff available in prepaid is the New MyGang. I would just like to give the tariff details for the uninitiated: From 10pm to 5 pm the next day(gang hour) Gang to gang@0.10 All Local Calls including to landline@0.50 All SMS@0.10(including national sms) All STD@ 1.30 From 5pm to 10pm the same day(peak hour) All Local Calls@1.00 All STD Calls@1.30 All SMS@0.25 All this at a daily deduction of Re.1. Re.31 recharge reduces the STD calls to Re.1/min for 24 hours! Free I mins recharges are applicable in various denominations. . Recently Idea revised its talktime on all the recharges starting from Rs.10. It now offers Rs.7.90 on Rs.10 recharge instead of Rs5.90 earlier. It offers Rs.20.25 on Rs.25 recharge instead of Rs.19.25 earlier. It offers Rs.73.15 on Rs.85 recharge. It offers Rs. 87 on recharge of Rs.100 instead of Rs.74 earlier. Full Talktime applicable with Rs.222,333,555,777 Now I must admit that I am yet to face such issues like: promotional sms/calls poor signals voice breaking. The customer care is accesible in 60 seconds flat unlike other operators who take close to 5 mins to let you through to an executive. Now heres a thought: Post paid plan 444 offers std calling@1.Similarly it offers local calling@0.50. Consider a caller making 300 std calls a month and 300 local calls month. Also consider that out of his 444 free mins, his 300 calls are std while the next 144 calls are local. His STD bill usage=300 mins free=300 mins chargeable=0 mins std bill=0 His local bill usage=300mins free=144mins chargable=156mins local bill=156*0.50=78 local+std=78 monthly rent=444 bill before tax=522 bill after tax=586.51 Consider a Gang caller who times his calls properly. He recharged with Rs555 and got Rs.555and Idea also offers 110 mins of Idea to Idea TT with this recharge. He recharged with Rs.31 to reduce std to Re.1/min. So total recharge value= Rs.586 For 300 std calls he pays Rs.300 at the rate of Re.1/min For 300 local calls he pays Rs.150 at the rate of Re.0.50 total balance untilized=Rs300+Rs150=Rs450 Total balance left after 30 days=555-Rs.450=Rs105 There is a daily deduction of Rs. 1 so minus 30 from Rs 105. Rs105-Rs30=Rs.75 Now someone might say that the caller might have to make local calls in the evening where he pays not Re.0.50 but Re.1.The remaining Rs.75 and the 110 mins of Idea to Idea would take care of it. Which one looks better? With IDEA prepaid theres the advantage of packs like on net calling packs and sms packs which i am not sure is available with 444 plans. AND lastly with postpaid even if you dint use 444 mins every month you have to pay the minimum of Rs.500 as rental inclusive of the taxes. But with prepaid if you recharged with 555 and could not use it in one month the balance can be carried forward. So guys look in for the finer details before jumping onto the postpaid wagon.

this one is already available for delhi and ncr!

wait for 6 months. this is going to happen before the next general election.