Airtel recently announced a significant price hike for its prepaid and postpaid plans. Starting from July 3, customers will see an increase in their mobile bills. This move follows a similar price increase by Reliance Jio, reflecting a trend among telecom operators to boost revenue. This blog covers the reasons behind the hike, the updated plan details, and its impact on customers.
Why Airtel is Raising Prices
Airtel aims to increase its average revenue per user (ARPU) beyond Rs. 300. To achieve this, the company decided to revise its prepaid and postpaid plan tariffs. Airtel plans to use the additional revenue to invest in spectrum and network technology, ensuring better service quality for its users.
Changes to Prepaid Plans
The new tariffs will impact all Airtel prepaid customers. The price changes will affect popular plans, with increases ranging from Rs. 20 to Rs. 600. For example, the annual Rs. 1,799 recharge plan will now cost Rs. 1,999, while the Rs. 2,999 plan will go up to Rs. 3,599.
Updated Prepaid Plan Pricing:
| Old Price | New Price | Data Allowance | Validity (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rs. 179 | Rs. 199 | 2GB | 28 |
| Rs. 455 | Rs. 509 | 6GB | 84 |
| Rs. 1,799 | Rs. 1,999 | 24GB | 365 |
| Rs. 265 | Rs. 299 | 1GB per day | 28 |
| Rs. 299 | Rs. 349 | 1.5GB per day | 28 |
| Rs. 359 | Rs. 409 | 2.5GB per day | 28 |
| Rs. 399 | Rs. 449 | 3GB per day | 28 |
| Rs. 479 | Rs. 579 | 1.5GB per day | 56 |
| Rs. 549 | Rs. 649 | 2GB per day | 56 |
| Rs. 719 | Rs. 859 | 1.5GB per day | 84 |
| Rs. 839 | Rs. 979 | 2GB per day | 84 |
| Rs. 2,999 | Rs. 3,599 | 2GB per day | 365 |
| Rs. 19 | Rs. 22 | 1GB (Data add-on) | 1 |
| Rs. 29 | Rs. 33 | 2GB (Data add-on) | 1 |
| Rs. 65 | Rs. 77 | 4GB (Data add-on) | Plan Validity |
Changes to Postpaid Plans
Airtel’s postpaid plans will also see a price hike. The new tariffs will affect customers from July 3. The Rs. 399 plan, offering 40GB of data and an Xstream Premium subscription, will increase to Rs. 449. The Rs. 499 plan, which includes 75GB of data and subscriptions to Xstream Premium, Disney+ Hotstar, and Amazon Prime, will cost Rs. 549.
Updated Postpaid Plan Pricing:
| Old Price | New Price | Data Allowance | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rs. 399 | Rs. 449 | 40GB | Xstream Premium subscription |
| Rs. 499 | Rs. 549 | 75GB | Xstream Premium, Disney+ Hotstar, and Amazon Prime subscriptions |
| Rs. 599 | Rs. 699 | 105GB | Two connections, Xstream Premium, Disney+ Hotstar, Airtel Wynk, and Amazon Prime |
| Rs. 999 | Rs. 1,199 | 190GB | Four connections, Xstream Premium, Disney+ Hotstar, Airtel Wynk, and Amazon Prime |
Impact on Customers
Customers will experience higher mobile bills starting in July. For prepaid users, the hike means paying more for the same data and call benefits. Postpaid customers will also see an increase in their monthly bills. While the price hikes may seem steep, Airtel assures that the additional revenue will enhance network quality and service.
Also See: Navigating the New Jio Tariff Hikes: What You Need to Know
Conclusion
Airtel’s price hike reflects the telecom industry’s broader trend of increasing tariffs to boost revenue. Although customers will face higher bills, the company promises improved service quality. As the new tariffs take effect from July 3, users should review their plans and consider adjusting their usage or switching to more cost-effective options if necessary.
In summary, the changes aim to support Airtel’s growth and investment in technology, ensuring better service for all users. Stay informed and prepared as the new tariffs come into play.
Source: https://www.gadgets360.com/
