Idea announces new prepaid plans for J&K

Idea has also introduced a plethora of new value added services for its prepaid subscribers in the state.

Idea Cellular has announced a range of new prepaid plans and value added services for the Jammu and Kashmir region. 

Launching the new initiative, Anish Roy, chief operating officer (Punjab, J&K and Himachal Pradesh), Idea Cellular, said, "We are pleased to bring these prepaid offers, they are not only good value for money options but also provide many VAS benefits to our subscribers. Apart from offering affordable call rates, they also have options of free SMS' and GPRS; thus helping us break through a large segment of users in the region". 

Top five 3G service providers in India

Although the race is far from over, current subscriber numbers indicate close competition among 3G service providers. Current standings are: BSNL, Airtel, Reliance, Docomo and Idea, in that order.

It has been just six months since 3G services were launched by private players in the country and the installation process is not even complete with many major towns yet to be covered by 3G networks. Yet, subscriber numbers already show decent uptake with more than 13 million people already using third generation telephony services. 

Public sector units like BSNL and MTNL, which got 3G spectrum licenses a year ahead of private players and have been offering services for as long, failed to get many takers, which raised doubts as to whether 3G would be accepted by the masses. 

Licences of Idea, Spice may be cancelled

NEW DELHI: The telecom ministry has issued a showcause notice to Idea Cellular for the Karnataka circle and Spice for the Andhra Pradesh circle for cancellation of licences on account of a delay in network rollout. "Yes, they have been issued (notices). Idea Cellular for Karnataka and Spice for Andhra Pradesh have been issued showcause notice for cancellation of license on account of delayed roll-out obligations," telecom secretary R Chandrasekhar said.

In 2008, Idea bought Spice, but has not yet received approval from DoT to go ahead with the merger. The notices have been sent recently. The companies have been given 60 days to respond, he said. Idea and Spice Telecom had procured these licences in January, 2008, under the regime of former telecom minister A Raja, who has been arrested on charges of irregularities in distribution of 122 new licences with 2G spectrum.