Idea has been been pretty shy when it comes to opening up about 4G adoption lately, with Reliance, Vodafone and Airtel doing all the talking and making some hefty promises as well. But in its latest revenue report, Idea has finally talked about 4G and its plans to roll out the same, which should happen by the first half of 2016. Looks like consumers now have another operator to choose from when it comes to 4G services.

Idea mentioned in its report that the operator will be rolling out 4G services to 10 circles in India that covers around 750 towns. This would includes circles like Maharashtra & Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Punjab and Haryana, Karnataka, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and the North East.

Airtel at the recent spectrum auctions, purchased the 1800 MHz band. The same revenue report also mentions that Idea will also be launching new branded services like Idea Music, Idea Games, Idea Movies and Idea Digital Wallet that will focus on vernacular and regional content.

However, for the end of this year, it is going to be just Reliance and Vodafone who will launch their 4G services. Vodafone has big plans and has promised that it will deliver class-leading services, after being picky and winning some great spectrum selections, at the recent 4G auctions.

[Also Read: TRAI Setting Up New Norms For Operators With Fines As Heavy As Rs 2 Lakh]

TAGS: Idea, mobile operators, 4G LTE

Idea Cellular now has two more smartphones to add to their long list of devices. It has launched the Magna and Magna L smartphones with the sole purpose of delivering 3G at an affordable price.

The Android-powered smartphones are affordable indeed, but come packaged with some interesting offers that will make them attractive to customers. There are no clear cut details about the handsets just yet, but we do know that the Magna packs in a 4 inch display while the larger Magna L sports a 4.5 inch one.

As for the internals, we get a 1.3 GHz dual-core processor on the Magna, while the Magna L gets a 1.3 GHz chipset with quad-core processing. Both handsets pack a 5 MP camera with LED Flash on the back, while the front-facing one get a puny VGA sensor. No other details have been revealed about the smartphone’s hardware specs yet.

Idea Magna

What is indeed interesting about these smartphones is not the smartphone itself, but the carrier deals that come with it.

Idea offers 16 GB of 3G data, worth Rs. 3,200 with all its smartphones on a Rs 261 recharge. Customers get 4GB of 3G data every month for up to 4 months, including the  free subscription of Idea TV for the same period.

Idea Magna L

The handsets are priced at Rs 4999 for the Magna and Rs 6250 for the Magna L and will be available in Idea stores in Uttar Pradesh (East), Uttar Pradesh (West), Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Maharashtra & Goa, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Kerala, Punjab, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.

TAGS: Mobile Phones, Android, Idea Magna, Idea Magna L, Idea

Idea Cellular has launched 'ID 4000,' a 3G enabled budget smartphone in India at Rs 4,999. The company is also offering data benefits bundled along with the device, to promote users to upgrade from 2G to 3G networks.

The ID 4000 features a 4-inch display with a resolution of 320x480 pixels (HVGA) and is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor coupled to 1GB of RAM. Internal storage stands at a measly 512MB, but can be expanded via a microSD card slot. In terms of imaging, the device sports a 3.2MP primary camera but doesn't have a front-facing shooter.

Idea's budget 3G smartphone runs on Google's Android 4.2 Jelly Bean mobile operating system, which is rather outdated, but there are very few devices in the price range that come with newer software. When it comes to connectivity, the ID 4000 is 3G enabled, as mentioned earlier, can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.

Idea Cellular is looking to grow its portfolio of 3G enabled devices in the budget end of the segment, to get users of 2G mobile data to upgrade to 3G. The company already has 16 devices in its portfolio, and claims it has sold over 7 lakh devices prior to the launch of the ID 4000.

“With the launch the new device, Idea's portfolio of 3G smartphones has gone up to 16, and the company has already sold over 7 lakh devices from its earlier range,"

The company added that it will sell the handset in the following states - Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

TAGS: Idea, ID 4000, budget smartphone, 3G-enabled devices, Mobile Phones

Idea launched a new range of self-branded handsets aimed at providing high-end features at an affordable price. The handsets are 3G enabled and have been designed keeping in mind the cost-to-feature ratio, a gap that Idea seems determined to fulfil by bundling in its services.

The first handset is a phablet called the Idea Ultra II. It features a qHD display powered by a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor running Android Jelly Bean V 4.2 with 1 GB of RAM. At the back is an 8 MP camera with LED flash, and a removable 2500 mAh battery which comes with an "Ultimate Power saver mode".

The second handset pegged as the Idea !d 1000 is a smaller 3.5 inch screened handset with HVGA display and is powered by a 1 GHz dual-core processor. The handset runs on Android Jelly Bean V 4.2 and comes with 512 MB of RAM and a 1300 mAh battery. Camera unit is a smaller 2 MP one with no LED flash.

Both handsets have a dual SIM facility with dual-standby which is a common feature among idea phones. The Idea Ultra II phablet is priced at Rs 12,500, while the smaller Idea !d 1000 sports a price tag of Rs 5400.

TAGS: Mobile Phones, Android, Idea

Idea Cellular, which recently slashed 90 percent on its 2G data tariffs, has now launched a standalone tariff plan for college students in India's Delhi and NCR region. Dubbed as the Idea Campus Card, the plan can be availed for Rs 79.

The Idea Campus Card offers talk time of Rs 30 on a Rs 79 recharge, and allows 100 local and national SMSes free of cost. According to an official press release, students opting for the Campus Card recharge can make calls at 30 paise per minute. These call rates are valid only for Idea to Idea calling. Calls to other operators (both Local and STD) will be charged at 40 paise per minute. Idea's Campus Card will be valid for 30 days. Students can also access 400 MB of data for free.

Vodafone also has an exclusive Campus Pack for students, which offers 100 SMS messages free per day (the first SMS message will be charged at Rs 1.5), along with group calling at 10 paise/min. Vodafone's Campus Pack subscribers also get 500 MB of free data, and the validity of this Campus Pack is for 60 days.

TAGS: Idea, Telecom, Tariffs

Just a few weeks after TRAI's recommendation, the two operators have announced free roaming packs, and possibly others will follow. After airtel, telecom operator Idea is also offering free roaming plans to its subscribers. However, there is a catch: Idea has come up with two vouchers priced between Rs 230 - Rs 240 and Rs 35 - Rs 40 (prices vary slightly across circles). Of these, the higher priced voucher allows "free incoming calls" on roaming, whereas those opting for the lower priced voucher will be charged 75 paise per minute. The vouchers come with 6-month validity.

These vouchers are only available for prepaid customers and there is nothing for post-paid users as of now. Currently, only BSNL, airtel, and Idea offer such a scheme, but others will surely follow suit for the sake of competition. However, this is not really free roaming as you can see, and it remains to be seen who leads the charge in offering completely free roaming plans to its subscribers, both prepaid and post-paid. If you ask us, we think that state-run BSNL and MTNL are the best candidates in that regard. What do you think?

TAGS: Telecom, airtel, Idea

Idea Cellular, which recently ran the 2G data tariff slashing race immediately after Vodafone and Airtel, is now providing a new Facebook Messenger plan under which the company's prepaid customers can access Facebook Messenger free for 90 days. Idea's offer is applicable to prepaid subscribers accessing Facebook Messenger from both 3G and 2G networks.

Customers can activate the Free Facebook Messenger plan by dialing *800*88#, and can browse Facebook. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the data limit per month while using Facebook messenger is 200 MB (maximum limit), post this limit, users would be charged the default rate as per their original tariff plan. Also note that even without exceeding the 200 MB data limit, the Facebook messenger Plan would only be active for 90 days.

Idea's Free Facebook Messenger is applicable only to users who are on an Android or an iOS operating system. This concept is unfortunate, considering that a sizable chunk of India's mobile-phone users are on feature-phones (phones that do not classify as smartphones, with only basic Java app support). Android/iOS users would need to subscribe to the Idea Facebook plan by 31st July 2013, if interested. For users without the Facebook Messenger, the same would have to be downloaded as an app from the relevant app repository.

TAGS: Idea, Telecom, Tariffs, Facebook, Mobile, Android, iOS

After Vodafone India reduced mobile Internet prices in multiple telecom circles, it is now the turn of Airtel and Idea Cellular mobile service providers to effect a slash in their 2G data tariff for prepaid and postpaid customers.

Airtel will now charge 1 Paisa for every 10 KB of mobile data usage, a 90% slash of the company's earlier 2G tariff of 10 Paisa for every 10 KB of data. Airtel has presently rolled out the change for prepaid subscribers in 9 telecom circles - Punjab, Haryana, UP East, Kolkata, Gujarat, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala. The new tariff should be noticeable by customers, as according to Airtel, these changes are immediate.

Another tweak by Airtel, is increase in the validity of its Rs 22 and Rs 25 recharge coupons to 30 days and increase in validity of the Rs 125 recharge voucher to 90 days.

Idea Cellular wasn't far behind, announcing its 90% slash of 2G data tariffs. As per the new plan, Idea customers would need to pay 2 Paisa per 10 KB data, versus the existing 2 Paise for every KB of data (which meant 20p/10KB).

This new tariff is valid for Idea subscribers in 8 telecom circles - Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Orissa, Kolkata, West Bengal, Assam and the North East, albeit for 90 days only. Idea Prepaid customers would have to recharge for a currency denomination between Rs 5-10 to avail the new 2G tariff, whereas postpaid customers would get the new rates by default.

To recap and compare, the revised 2G data tariffs of the majors so far:
Vodafone: 2p/10 KB, for both prepaid/postpaid, in 4 circles of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, UP West and Chhattisgarh.
Airtel: 1p/10 KB, for prepaid only, in 9 circles of Punjab, Haryana, UP East, Kolkata, Gujarat, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala.
Idea: 2p/10 KB, for prepaid after activation for 3 months, in 8 circles of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Orissa, Kolkata, West Bengal, Assam and the North East.


What Internet speeds does 2G get you?
Barely 7 KB/s (kilobytes) over a plain GPRS network, when using a much older mobile phone or when signal/connectivity is bad.
About 28 KB/s (kilobytes) over an EDGE network, supported by almost all phones in the last few years, as long as you have good signal.

Who would want these slow speeds?
For one, something is better than nothing, so those who've stayed away from using the Internet on their mobile may find this a good time to begin. Also, it's the economy, stupid! Whether you're on fixed-price postpaid 3G data plans or on low-cost prepaid plans, reducing costs is welcome.

Why would I tolerate 2G speeds?

• Downloading ring tones, sending MMS, having video calls
• Extremely simple web browsing (googling for word definitions or checking the weather, for example)
• Occasional e-mail checking on-the-go, without needing an Internet connection at home
• Following news on the move, or to check cricket score cards
• Downloading lighter apps on smartphones
• Accessing GPS navigation for guidance while driving

Clearly, a market exists in urban areas for at least the above reasons, where people don't necessarily need 3G or want to commit to paying Rs 49 or Rs 99 per month. Add to this, the much-hyped rural services for farmers, market-produce sellers, and so on.

After a period of consolidation, the big telcos seem to have seen it fit to test the markets again and see what they can catch - this time with data pricing changes. With the Rupee touching 60 to the US Dollar though, costs may rise once again for operators who have already faced non-market crises like license/spectrum/roaming/taxation. We are still pending response of two other telecom majors, Reliance and BSNL, so let's hope for a win-win situation for both subscribers and operators.

TAGS: airtel, Idea, Vodafone, Telecom, Internet

Idea Cellular which has been releasing low-cost smartphones at regular intervals is now out with two new models that fall into the entry-level Android smartphones category. These devices, Idea ID 920 and Idea Aurus 3 are dual-SIM handsets. ID 920 is a typical small screen phone with a 3.5 inch display (having 320x480 pixels), and runs on the now outdated Android 2.3 Gingerbread platform. It is driven by a 1GHz processor.  Idea's ID 920 has a price tag of Rs 4950. It should have been a tad lower, considering its specs.

Its key technical specifications are:

• 3.5 inch capacitive touchscreen display having 320x480 pixels
• Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system
• 1GHZ processor
• 2MP rear camera
• 256 MB RAM
• 512 MB internal storage (100MB available to end users)
• MicroSD card slot for expansion up to 32GB; 2GB memory card included along with the phone package
• 3G, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi and microUSB connectivity
• 1400mAh battery with claimed talk time of up to 13hrs on 2G and 7hrs on 3G

From the tech-specs of the phone, it is evident that the USP of Idea ID 920 is its 3G connectivity on a budget. As far as smartphone competition is concerned, Karbonn's A6 comes to mind. The latter fares better than ID 920 with its 4-inch higher resolution display, Android 4.0 platform, 5MP rear camera, and 512 RAM. However the phone has identical internal storage area (100MB) as that of ID 920, and very less of claimed battery talktime (3.5 hrs). Karbonn A6 is priced 450 bucks more than Idea 920, at Rs 5400.

Idea's other dual-SIM smartphone, the Aurus 3, is priced at Rs 6900, and comes with average tech-specs such as a 4-inch display, Android 4.1 Jelly bean operating system, and a 1GHz processor. Apart from these, the other notable tech-specs of this device are:

• 5MP primary camera, and a VGA secondary camera
• 512 MB RAM (200 MB available to end users)
• 4GB internal storage (1.4GB available to end users)
• MicroSD card slot for expansion up to 32GB
• 3G, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi and microUSB connectivity
• 1400 mAh battery with claimed talk time of up to 7 hrs on 2G and up to 5 hrs on 3G

Aurus 3 betters its predecessor, the Aurus 2 (released recently), in terms of the display (Aurus 2 comes with 3.5 inch screen), camera (Aurus 2 has 3.2MP rear and VGA front camera). Though the pricing isn't over the top, one easily gets phones with Dual-core processors at that price point.

Idea is offering 1GB data at Rs 261 for Aurus 3 users and 1.6GB data at the same amount to ID 920 buyers. Along with this, buyers of these device would get free Idea TV subscription for the initial three months. 

TAGS: Idea, smartphones, Android

Telecom operator Idea has added yet another 3G smartphone to its portfolio, with the launch of the Aurus 2. This dual-SIM handset is the first one from the company running Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and is powered by a single-core 1 GHz CPU along with 512 MB of RAM. Along with 4 GB of internal storage, there is a possibility of adding a further 32 GB via microSD card. It sports a 3.5" capacitive screen with HVGA pixel dimensions. A 3.2 mp snapper is present on the rear, while video calling is handled by a 0.3 mp front camera. Here are the phone's specifications:

• Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), Google Play Store.
• Dual-SIM 3G GSM.
• 3.5" capacitive multi-touch screen with pixel dimensions 320x480.
• 1 GHz CPU.
• 512 MB RAM.
• 4 GB internal storage, microSD card support for up to 32 GB.
• 3.2 megapixel rear camera with digital zoom, 0.3 megapixel front camera.
• 3G, Wi-Fi.

The Aurus 2 comes with a data package from Idea worth Rs 261, which includes 1.6 GB of 3G data and free Idea TV subscription for three months. The Idea Aurus 2 is the 6th phone in the Idea 3G portfolio after Zeal, Ivory, Aurus, ID 918, and Blade. The 512 MB of RAM may cause some hindrance as far as performance is concerned, but given the smaller screen pixel dimensions (which means less pixels to render) may offset this disadvantage. The handset is priced at Rs 6500, which is a tad bit expensive for a single-core smartphone these days. For a few hundred rupees more, you can get the dual-core Spice Stellar Nhance Mi-435, that too with a larger 4" screen.

TAGS: Mobile Phones, Multi-SIM, Android, Idea

Idea has launched yet another smartphone – the Zeal, running the very dated Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread). Some mobile phone manufacturers seem to believe old is gold, and Idea's dated approach doesn't end with the OS alone. Incidentally, the hardware comprising a 1 GHz CPU, 256 MB of RAM, and 512 MB ROM seems to be well-suited for an older OS too: The newer iterations of Android have higher hardware requirements.

This dual-SIM GSM 3G handset sports a 3.5" screen with pixel dimensions of 320x480, which is considerably low-res, compared to screens available on smartphones these days. It also comes with a 3 MP auto-focus snapper. Here are the specifications:

• Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread).
• Dual-SIM, 3G/2G.
• 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.
• 256 MB RAM.
• 512 MB internal storage.
• microSD card slot for support up to 32 GB.
• 3 megapixel rear camera with auto-focus.
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS (A-GPS).

Idea is trying to attract customers by bundling a 3G data pack worth Rs 261 with 1 GB of data per month for the first three months. The deal also includes Idea TV free for the first three months. While the smartphone comes preinstalled with apps including Facebook, Twitter, and Orkut, among others; there is no word on whether or not Google Play Store is supported. This can be a deal breaker because the main USP of such Android phones is the ability to download and install apps and increase the phone's usefulness.

The Idea Zeal is available for Rs 5400, which is considerably expensive for a smartphone with old hardware and OS. In comparison, the Micromax Ninja A27 which also comes with a 1 GHz CPU (albeit a better one with the Spreadtrum SC6820), 256 MB of RAM, and 3.5" screens with pixel dimensions of 240x320, seems like a better deal; it even costs less at Rs 3400.

TAGS: Mobile Phones, Multi-SIM, Android

• 3.5" capacitive screen with 320x480 pixels.
• 1 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM.
• 4 GB internal storage, MicroSD card slot (supports up to 32 GB).
• 3.2 megapixel front camera, front-facing VGA camera.
• Dual-SIM (GSM), Supports 3G.
• Wi-Fi, A-GPS, Bluetooth (not confirmed).
• 1300 mAh battery.
• Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).

TAGS: Mobile Phones, Android, Idea, ck

Telecom service provider Idea Cellular — better known for its annoying Abhishek Bachchan ads — has now announced an Android handset. Dubbed as AURUS, this new Dual-SIM (GSM) phone runs Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) out of the box. The entry-level smartphone is powered by a modest 800 MHz CPU. It sports a 3.5" capacitive touchscreen with pixel dimensions of 320x480. You also get a 5 mp rear camera that uses software interpolation to achieve the megapixel count, so don't bet on the quality being too great. Here's the list of features as mentioned in the press release:

• Dual-SIM functionality (GSM + GSM), Supports 3G.
• 3.5" capacitive multi-touch screen with 320x480 pixels.
• 800 MHz CPU.
• 5 mp camera, front 0.3 mp camera for video calling.
• Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread), Cloud storage, Social networking apps.
• 32 GB microSD card slot, 4 GB card included.

The Idea AURUS is priced at Rs 7200 and is available at major mobile phone stores and Idea outlets across the country. To locate a store near you, visit the Idea website and scroll to the Store Locator section at the bottom of the page. The operator will also offer prepaid customers 3G benefits of around Rs 2300 on the purchase of a recharge worth Rs 259. Check out the gallery below for more product shots.

TAGS: Mobile Phones, Multi-SIM, Android, Idea, ck

After airtel's recent cuts in 3G rates, Vodafone and Idea Cellular have now followed suit, slashing rates for their competing offerings by up to 70%. This will bring high-speed mobile internet plans within the reach of the masses. While 3G services were launched in India last year by several companies, allowing substantially faster internet access through mobile handsets, adoption rates have been slow due to high tariffs. With the new rates in effect, that seems to be headed for a change, especially as more operators are expected to announce 3G data tariff cuts. First, here is Vodafone's new tariff card. Note that all subscribers will have to pay 2 paise per 10 KB of data usage once their quota has been exhausted.

For Idea, prepaid and billed customers will now be required to pay 3 paise per 10 KB instead of the earlier 10 paise. Additionally, the company is also offering "unlimited" 3G monthly plans at Rs 950, although you must know that this gives you 6 GB of data transfer at 21.1 Mbps and drops down to just 128 Kbps after all the data has been used up. While it's technically an unlimited data plan, it's going to be really frustrating to use once you cross the 6 GB mark. Users who exhaust their quota before the validity expires can also top up with a sachet pack of Rs 10 for 30 minutes of usage with a validity of one day. The already-existing Rate Cutter plan for billed customers, which comes with a 30-day validity costing Rs 29 and gives users an economical 1 paise per 10 KB, continues to co-exist. Do you think that the new 3G data rates are affordable? Do let us know in the space below.

TAGS: Telecom, Internet, Idea, Vodafone, Jayesh

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has pulled up telecom operators Bharti airtel, Idea Cellular, and Loop Mobile for allegedly violating Mobile Number Portability (MNP) regulations, and issued a summons to their officials via a Delhi court. Apparently, the three service providers have not abided by the norms, having rejected MNP requests from subscribers in various circles including Mumbai, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The companies also did not provide the complete information, as sought by TRAI, about porting requests rejected by them.

Mobile subscribers were empowered by TRAI last year when it introduced the MNP facility, allowing them to switch to any mobile operator while retaining their old number. This initiative was introduced with the motive of keeping operators on their toes, while promoting fair competition and protecting subscribers's interests. As is evident now though, not all operators have been compliant with the MNP requirements, sometimes resorting to unjust means in an effort to retain their customer base.

TAGS: Telecom, Government, airtel, Idea, Jayesh

The ban on 3G roaming slapped by the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) has been stayed. The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) decided upon the matter at a special hearing on Saturday, after Bharti airtel, Essar Vodafone, and Idea Cellular challenged the earlier DOT ruling that 3G roaming agreements between the three were illegal. TDSAT has asked DOT to not take any action against the service providers until the next hearing on 3rd January.

The point in contention was that DOT had failed to make it clear at the time of bidding for the 3G spectrum that intra-circle roaming was against the rules. No operator was able to procure 3G licences for the entire country, and hence had to resort to agreements to enable national roaming for their subscribers. The ban would have effectively crippled the 3G service of all the above telcos, since they would have been constrained to providing it only in their respective circles.

All hopes are now pinned on the January hearing, when the dispute tribunal will deliver the final verdict. Who do you think should win: DOT or the 3G operators?

TAGS: Telecom, Government, airtel, Vodafone, Idea, Jayesh

The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) has asked mobile operators to stop providing 3G roaming services or risk a termination of their agreements. The regulatory body has stated that roaming arrangements are in violation of licence norms. Mobile operators are definitely going to feel the pinch of this new ruling, because they stand to lose a lot of revenue, while subscribers will face a crippling restriction on 3G access. DOT plans to penalise operators not abiding by this new ruling.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had earlier made a similar inference, following which Communications and IT Minister Kapil Sibal had asked Telecom Secretary R Chandrasekhar to notify all 3G providers operating in this "illegal" manner about the diktat. Earlier this year, no one operator was able to bag a pan-India 3G licence during the spectrum auction. Therefore, they had no choice but to enter into roaming agreements with each other in order to provide the service across the country to their customers. Bharti airtel, Vodafone Essar, and Idea Cellular entered into such an understanding, while Tata Teleservices and Aircel, which had initially followed an arrangement, later terminated it.

Over the last few months DOT claimed to have received complaints regarding the illegal nature of such agreements. After seeking a legal opinion, it has decided to issue notices to these firms to terminate these contracts immediately, failing which they will be liable to face legal action. In return, the three operators to whom notices have been served have written to the PM demanding a refund of the spectrum auction payment if roaming is disallowed.

TAGS: Telecom, Government, airtel, Vodafone, Idea, Jayesh