Airtel, one of India’s leading telecom service providers, has announced a price hike across all its pre-paid and post-paid plans. The new tariff rates will be effective from July 3rd across all circles in India. This move will see an increase in prices ranging from 11% to 21%.
New Pricing Details
The most affordable plan from Airtel will now cost Rs 199 for a 28-day validity, offering 2GB of data, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day. Previously, this plan was priced at Rs 179. Despite the price hike, the benefits like call minutes and free data will remain unchanged.
The revised prices affect various plans:
- Pre-paid Unlimited Voice Plans: Three different plans will see price adjustments.
- Pre-paid Daily Data Plans: Nine plans will be impacted.
- Pre-paid Data Add-on Plans: Three add-on plans will have new rates.
- Post-paid Plans: Four post-paid plans will also see a price increase.
- For example, an 84-day pre-paid plan that previously cost Rs 509 will now offer 6GB of data, 100 SMS per day, and unlimited calling. The Rs 1,999 pre-paid plan will provide 24GB of data, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day for 365 days, up from the earlier price of Rs 1,799.
Specific Changes
- The most affordable new 28-day pre-paid data plan will cost Rs 299, up from Rs 265, providing 1GB of data, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day.
- The Rs 499 pre-paid data plan, valid for 28 days, will offer 3GB of data, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day.
- The lowest monthly post-paid plan will now be Rs 449, instead of Rs 399, offering one connection with 40GB of data rollover, unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day, and an XStream Premium subscription.
- The Airtel post-paid family plan will increase to Rs 1,199 from Rs 999, offering four connections, 190GB of data rollover, unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day, and subscriptions to XStream Premium, Disney+ Hotstar for 12 months, Amazon Prime for 6 months, and Wynk Premium.
Reason Behind the Hike
Airtel has stated that the average revenue per user (ARPU) needs to be above Rs 300 to maintain a financially healthy business model for telecom companies in India. “We believe that this level of ARPU will enable the substantial investments required in network technology and spectrum and offer a modest return on capital. In this light, we welcome the announcements in the industry to repair tariffs,” an Airtel official mentioned.
The company emphasizes that the price hike is modest, less than 70 paise per day on entry-level plans, aiming to minimize the burden on budget-conscious consumers. The revised tariffs are designed to support the continued investment in network infrastructure and technological advancements. Starting July 3rd, 2024, Airtel users will experience the new tariffs across India, reflecting the company’s strategy to balance financial health and service quality.
