Mobile call, data to cost more from December as Voda Idea, Airtel hike rates

Faced with intense competition and unprecedented statutory dues, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea on Monday announced a hike in mobile phone call and data charges from December saying the increase was warranted for viability of their business.

First Vodafone Idea in a statement announced plans to raise tariffs for the first time in 3 years only to be followed by a similarly worded statement minutes later from Airtel.

The two, however, did not quantify the increase in rates but said that the hike will be effective beginning next month.