Telecom Lead India: Airtel on Tuesday promised 40Mb speed to its broadband customers in Hyderabad — signaling price war in India’s broadband market.
Airtel’s new broadband schemes allow customers to migrate from 16Mb to 40Mb.
However, the broadband rental at Rs 3,299 for 100 GB and Rs 3,999 for 200 GB may not be in line with the expectations of broadband users in India.
India has around 15 million fixed line broadband users. Despite promising better broadband speed and penetration through the 2012 National Telecom Policy, Indian operators never invested heavily into the broadband segment.
India’s largest telecom operator claims that it is the first operator to launch broadband plans on VDSL technology at speed of 40Mb for customers in Hyderabad.
Using VDSL, an advanced standard of broadband wireline access, users will have the best data experience for streaming high definition videos, online multiplayer gaming, downloading rich content, uploading photos and videos instantly and lots more.
Sharlin Thayil, CEO – Andhra Pradesh, Airtel, said: “The Ultrasonic 40Mbps plans on Airtel offers the fastest broadband speed available for customers and will allow data savvy customers to upgrade from the now prevalent 16Mb speeds they have enjoyed thus far.”
In line with their data usage and requirements, Airtel customers can now choose the following tariff plans.
Airtel’s Ultrasonic 3999, which is priced at Rs 3,999, offers 200 GB data usage along with 2000 free voice minutes.
The company says its Ultrasonic 3299 — priced at Rs 3,299 — offers 100 GB data usage along with 1000 free voice minutes.
Customers can also enjoy additional free Value Added Services (VAS) like Parallel Ringing, PC Secure (Anti-Virus software), Unlimited Gaming through Games on Demand, LearnNext – the smartest way to learn maths and science and lots more.
Customers can buy Beetel’s VDSL Wi-Fi modem priced at Rs 3,099 to avail Airtel Broadband’s 40Mb internet speed along with Wi-Fi connectivity.