Bharti Airtel, following in the footsteps of Reliance Jio, is set to increase tariffs on both prepaid and postpaid plans starting July 3. The upcoming price hike, which ranges from 10-21 percent across various plans, is part of Airtel’s strategy to ensure financial health and sustainability. The company emphasises that the average revenue per user (ARPU) needs to exceed Rs 300 to support the substantial investments required in network technology and spectrum, while also offering a modest return on capital.
Additionally, Airtel has revised its entry-level criteria for free unlimited 5G access. Previously, users could access 5G on more affordable plans, but now only plans offering 2GB of data per day or more will include this benefit. Consequently, customers will need to spend at least Rs 649 to enjoy unlimited 5G access. This move places Airtel’s 5G entry point at double the cost of Jio’s similar plans, which start at Rs 349 even after their price hike.
Bharti Airtel revised prepaid plan tariffs
Airtel’s revised prepaid plans reflect significant increases across various packages. The unlimited voice plans, which offer data alongside unlimited calling and SMS benefits, are among those most affected. The basic plan, previously priced at Rs 179 for 28 days with 2GB of data, will now cost Rs 199. The 84-day plan, which provides 6GB of data, has increased from Rs 455 to Rs 509. The annual plan offering 24GB of data has risen from Rs 1799 to Rs 1999.
For plans with longer durations, the 56-day plan with 1.5GB/day has seen its price increase from Rs 479 to Rs 579. The 2GB/day plan for the same duration has gone up from Rs 549 to Rs 649. The 84-day plan with 1.5GB/day has risen from Rs 719 to Rs 859, while the 2GB/day plan now costs Rs 979, up from Rs 839. The annual plan offering 2GB/day has experienced a significant jump from Rs 2999 to Rs 3599.
| Existing plan | Validity/Benefits (unlimited voice, 100 SMS/day) | New plan price (effective July 3, 2024) | Price increase |
| Rs 179 | 28 days, 2GB | Rs 199 | Rs 20 |
| Rs 455 | 84 days, 6GB | Rs 509 | Rs 54 |
| Rs 265 | 28 days, 1GB/day | Rs 299 | Rs 34 |
| Rs 299 | 28 days, 1.5GB/day | Rs 349 | Rs 50 |
| Rs 359 | 28 days, 2.5GB/day | Rs 409 | Rs 50 |
| Rs 399 | 28 days, 3GB/day | Rs 449 | Rs 50 |
| Rs 479 | 56 days, 1.5GB/day | Rs 579 | Rs 100 |
| Rs 549 | 56 days, 2GB/day | Rs 649 | Rs 100 |
| Rs 719 | 84 days, 1.5GB/day | Rs 859 | Rs 140 |
| Rs 839 | 84 days, 2GB/day | Rs 979 | Rs 140 |
| Rs 1,799 | 365 days, 24GB | Rs 1,999 | Rs 200 |
| Rs 2,999 | 365 days, 2GB/day | Rs 3,599 | Rs 600 |
These new rates mark a notable shift in Airtel’s pricing strategy, impacting users’ monthly and annual budgets. As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve with the introduction of advanced technologies like 5G, these price adjustments reflect the growing costs associated with maintaining and upgrading network infrastructure. Consumers will need to adjust to these higher prices as the industry moves towards ensuring sustainable growth and enhanced service quality.
Airtel isn’t the only one to increase tariffs. Jio has announced a 10-21 per cent hike in mobile tariffs. Jio’s tariff hike across various plans ranges from 12-27 percent and will also come into effect from July 3. Vodafone Idea’s (Vi) price hike meanwhile ranges from 11-24 percent and will be rolled out starting July 4.