According to industry experts, with the prices of net-enabled handsets drastically falling, the number of people who surf the Internet on their mobile handsets will only grow. An Internet-enabled mobile handset that cost at least Rs 5,000 a year ago now can be bought for as low as Rs 2,000 onward.

Most leading cellular network operators in India and are internationally are witnessing a significant traction in the base number of mobile Internet users largely because of attractive plans being offered to new and existing subscribers.

This is one of the major factors, pushing mobile Internet usage. For example, Airtel’s monthly data plans at Rs 95 is seeing significant rise in usage of mobile Internet in rural areas where connectivity is an issue. Tata Docomo’s monthly pack is available for Rs 48.

In fact, Tata Docomo visualizes widened mobile Internet usage for functions like e-mail, messaging, entertainment, and social networking. Social networking is clearly emerging as one of the lucrative and fastest-growing services in the spectrum of mobile Internet as it lets people remain in touch with their friends or office colleagues.

Leading cellular operators like Aircel and Airtel have come up with innovative data plans that allow users unlimited access for less than Rs 100 on monthly basis. The former has affordable pocket Internet cards priced at Rs 98 per month apart from a 3-day plan just for Rs 14. These plans give unlimited browsing, music, and gaming.

Aircel turned to Facebook for the campaign launch before using traditional media. The idea was to interact with the youth and communicate the right message to them. The company’s pocket Internet card caused a huge jump in Internet usage on the Google Mobile platform by Aircel customers.