Airtel introduces Reliance Jio-like offers to retain users

With Reliance Jio's unstoppable offer extensions, it's time for the incumbent operators to pull up their socks.

Last month Airtel introduced a Surprise offer, giving away up to 30GB for three months. Now the company is extending the plan with another ‘Holiday Surprise’ offer that entails ‘free data for next three months’. It seems like Airtel is taking 'inspiration' from Jio for extending plans.

Following Reliance Jio's pattern, the latest offer is available for customers who failed to avail the previous offer, and is valid until April 30. Those who have already availed the offer, are getting one more month of free 10GB data.

The company has also announced a new plan for customers planning to travel abroad.

“If you are planning an international holiday, we have something more for you. We’ve taken major steps to ensure that you’re protected from bill shocks while travelling abroad. We’ve negotiated with global operators, on your behalf, to get you the best international roaming rates and deliver great value to you,” said Gopal Vittal, CEO – Bharti Airtel.

Under the plan, users are not required to activate any pack. “For this destination (Singapore), our daily pack costs Rs 499 and includes unlimited incoming calls, free data, SMS and calls to India. If your daily usage exceeds Rs 499, we’ll automatically activate the Rs 499 pack at no added cost. If your usage charges are less than Rs 499, you’ll only be charged based on the rates that are applicable,” said Gopal Vittal.

Obviously, Airtel’s latest offer is to take on Reliance Jio’s consistent, aggressive schemes, offering free 4G data with free voice calls. While Jio had to withdraw its recent Summer Surprise offer, the company was quick to introduce Jio Dhan Dhana Dhan plan with similar data benefits.