Wireless Federation

The iPhone 3G launch in India has not been that good and on top of that, for the users this touchscreen handset is expected to raise their monthly phone bills far more than other hi-end mobiles in the market, reports ET.
According to the industry experts an iPhone might increase billing charges by up to 25-30 per cent, which will get the two operators, Vodafone and Airtel earning all the money.
While Vodafone is giving 250 MB and 600 MB data usage free per month on a plan of Rs 799 and Rs 999, respectively, Bharti Airtel is offering free 500 MB per month on iPhone-specific plans that will have a basic rent of Rs 600 per month, which are based on net-surfing on their networks.
But for the Analysts, the plans are not economical, as the iPhone will encourage users to spend more through its value added services (VAS) and bundling stratergies.
For Manoj Mohta, head of another analysis firm CRISIL Research, it’s the lack of 3G services that makes the iPhone too expensive for too little in return. “Only after 3G comes in will the service providers launch more of data-oriented plans. But until then it will remain an expensive proposition,” said Mohta.
The telcos are also aiming to raise data usage.
Sanjay Gupta, chief marketing officer for mobile services at Bharti Airtel, said, “Our aim will be to promote that data usage here too. The iPhone is already known for its VAS like GPRS, maps and iTunes.”

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