What is 3G ?
3G refers to the third generation of mobile communication technology. 3G offers high speed data transfer rates, video calls, mobile tv, video conferencing, video on demand with improved security.
The major 3G technologies are EV-DO for CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks and HSDPA for GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) networks.
3G in India
In India State Player Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited launched 3G in some parts of the country recently. Government of India is yet to finalize the 3G Spectrum Allocation. Private Telecom Players can enter the market only after that process.
BSNL 3G Promotional Offers
BSNL’s 3G SIM (called USIM or Universal Subscriber Identification Module) comes with a price tag of Rs 120 with a validity of 180 days and free usage of Rs 20.
As per the latest data available from BSNL (as on 28th Nov 09) it is available in two plans – 3G general plan and promotional plan.
In General Plan Local on-net calls are priced at 50 paisa per minute and local off net calls at 70 paisa per minute. In promotional plan it is 30 paisa and 60 paisa respectively.
In promotional plan all local video calls at 30 paisa and all std video calls at 50 paisa per minute.
The most important thing is data charges are priced at 1 paisa per 10kb. ie Re 1 per MB. or Rs 1000 for 1GB. This is in very cheap compared to the current GPRS plans which charges 1 Paisa for 1KB.
Recharge Vouchers
Recharge vouchers are similar to normal prepaid connections – Rs 110 recharge voucher will get a usage value of Rs75.
Promotional Offers
Also BSNL offers some time limited promotional offers to attract more 3G customers like
50 Minutes free local video call will be allowed to all new 3G prepaid and postpaid connections activated upto 31.12.2009.
Customers purchasing 3G Data card from BSNL and activating the same will get free data usage of 6 GB per month as 1GB day/any time and 5GB night usage for two months, as a promotional measure for 90 days w.e.f. 15.08.2009.
Summary
After 3G Spectrum Allocation more players will enter the market and which may lead to further tariff reduction as the entry of Tata Docomo recently triggered a tariff war in the Mobile Phone voice Tariff which implemented Pay Per Second scheme and reduced call rates.