Instant messaging apps are widely used by Indians as they are the easiest way to communicate amid slow Internet connectivity rates but the scenario is pegged to change with introduction of cheaper 4G plans.
The cheaper high-speed data plans might see customers increase using video-calling apps in an IM-dominated environment. Major Indian telcos are slashing high-speed Internet data plans in India as the telecom industry gears for of the biggest rejig in recent time.
Internet data packs offered by telcos have always been expensive and the speed offered under 3G had always been sluggish; one reason why video-calling and streaming has suffered in the country.
There are hundreds of online forums, where users complain on a daily basis about sluggish broadband connections and expensive data rates. A recent study by research firm Akamai technology also pointed out that India has really poor average Internet speeds.
Research and advisory firm Analysis Mason, in a recent study study, said data tariff plans in India need a cut of approximately 75 per cent to thrive digital growth, which involves a bundle of activities including video-calling and video-streaming.
It said that average data users in India spends 2.6 per cent of their annual income to consume just 1GB data; a huge amount in comparison to the usual 0.2-04 per cent of annual income spent by counterparts in developed markets.
The study said: Our analysis concludes that a 75 percent cut in data tariffs (average revenue per GB of Rs 57) alone could increase the user base to 645-667 million SIMs, and the level of monthly data usage to around 4.2-4.3 GB per SIM in 2019-20.”
Senior Telecom Analyst from Counterpoint Research Tarun Pathak agreed to the fact that cheaper 4G pricing in India result in more video calls and interactive content viewing.
There are several video-calling platforms which users can use to make the most of the affordable high-speed data plans. Microsoft’s Skype, Google’s latest Duo, Facebook Messenger, Hike and Tango are some of the reputed video-calling apps that you can use.
