New Delhi: Airtel has discontinued four prepaid recharge plans in India, with the removal of the Rs 299, Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649 packs reportedly taking effect nationwide. The move has raised speculation that the telecom operator could be preparing for a broader tariff increase.
According to a CNBC-TV18 report citing sources, replacement plans in the affected categories are between 5% and 16% more expensive. The steepest increase is for customers who previously opted for the Rs 299 pack.
The Rs 299 plan offered 1.5GB of daily data with a 28-day validity. Airtel users seeking a comparable option are now being directed to the Rs 349 plan, which provides 2GB of daily data for the same validity period. The replacement therefore costs Rs 50 more, representing an increase of about 16%.
The company has also withdrawn several mid-range prepaid options, leaving fewer price points for customers. The Rs 199 plan remains available at the lower end, offering 2GB of total data for 28 days, while the Rs 219 pack provides 3GB of total data for the same period.
Airtel’s changes come amid expectations of another round of telecom tariff increases in India. A recent Centrum Institutional Research report said Reliance Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea could raise prepaid tariffs by 12% to 15% over the next three to four months.
However, Airtel has not announced a blanket increase in prepaid prices, and the removal of these four plans alone does not confirm an industry-wide tariff hike. The latest changes could instead be an early indication of pricing adjustments.
India Today has sought a response from Airtel on the changes. The company’s response, if received, could clarify whether the discontinued plans are part of a wider pricing strategy.
