Mobile users in India will now have to spend more on data recharges as Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. and Bharti Airtel Ltd. have discontinued their lowest prepaid plans. The move aims to increase the average revenue per user (ARPU), but for millions of subscribers, it means costlier access to mobile internet and voice services.
Reliance Jio’s Entry-Level Plans
Jio’s new prepaid offerings start at:
- ₹299 Plan: 1.5 GB/day, validity 28 days
- ₹349 Plan: 2 GB/day, validity 28 days
With the removal of cheaper options, Jio subscribers must now choose from plans that begin at nearly ₹300, making it tougher for low-income users who relied on the earlier budget-friendly packs.
Bharti Airtel’s Updated Recharge Packs
Airtel, following a similar path, has also removed its most affordable recharge plans. The entry-level options now include:
- Rs 299 plan: 1 GB/day, validity 28 days
- ₹349 Plan: 1.5 GB/day, validity 28 days
- ₹361 Plan: 50 GB/month, validity 30 days
This shift signals Airtel’s intent to strengthen ARPU while staying competitive with Jio.
Vodafone Idea’s Alternative Plans
Vodafone Idea (Vi), which has been struggling to retain subscribers, continues to offer slightly more flexibility with multiple entry-level packs:
- ₹299 Plan: 1 GB/day, validity 28 days
- ₹349 Plan: 1.5 GB/day, validity 28 days
- ₹408 Plan: 2 GB/day, validity 28 days
For cost-conscious users, Vi still provides relatively cheaper entry points, though its weak network performance has been a drawback.
The Bigger Picture: Battle for No.1
The tariff hike is part of an ongoing battle between Jio and Airtel for telecom leadership in India. According to TRAI data, Jio gained 1.9 million subscribers in June 2025, while Airtel added 763,482 users. Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea lost 217,816 users, further highlighting its struggle to compete in the market.
