Telecom network operator Aircel says it achieved 60 percent growth in data revenue and 65 percent surge in data consumption in 2015.

Aircel also posted 104 percent growth in 3G revenues and 167 percent growth in 3G users in 2015. Smartphone adoption among the mobile subscribers of Aircel rose 61 percent last year.

For comparison, the 3G subscriber base — on both voice and data — of Idea Cellular reached 27.6 million in December quarter of 2015 from 24.5 million in the previous quarter.

Idea Cellular has 21.19 million 3G data subscribers till December 2015. 3G ARPU of Idea Cellular was Rs 196 in the December quarter.

Videocon Telecom, a regional mobile operator, achieved 137 percent growth in data consumption, and almost doubled its data revenues in Q2 2015. Data currently contributes to approx 12 percent of Videocon Telecom’s Gross Revenue. The company aims at 15 percent to come from its data business during the current financial year.

The privately-held Aircel does not share specific details on its revenue and subscribers for last year.

The Indian mobile operator said its “Be Online with Aircel” initiative encourages Indian phone users to experience mobile internet. Aircel is aiming to drive mobile internet penetration in India to the next level of growth. Free Basic Internet and Unlimited 3G at Rs 9 per day will be some growth drivers for Aircel data business.

Aircel’s “1 GB for all” mobile internet package to prepaid customers is also prompting mobile users to opt for mobile Internet.

Sunil Kuttam, VP – Marketing at Aircel, said: “Aircel is taking lead in the mobile internet space with renewed energy and vigour with its Be Online with Aircel initiative. Data consumption by Aircel customers has seen a dramatic rise.”

The Maxis-subsidiary has 2G presence across India and 3G spectrum in 13 circles, BWA spectrum in 8 telecom circles.

Baburajan K
[email protected]