In mid-August, major telecom operators Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel quietly withdrew some of their most affordable recharge plans. Users looking to recharge at under ₹300 are now finding their options limited. The changes follow broader industry trends of tariff rationalisation and attempts by telecom companies to increase their average revenue per user. Jio has discontinued its ₹249 plan, while Airtel has reduced the high-speed data quota on its ₹319 plan.
Reliance Jio’s ₹249 pre‑paid plan was popular among customers for its generous data and validity period. The plan offered unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS per day and 2 GB of high-speed 4G data per day for 28 days. It also provided access to Jio’s suite of apps such as JioTV and JioCinema. This plan is no longer listed on Jio’s website or MyJio app. Reports also indicate that Jio has discontinued its ₹209 plan, which included 1 GB of data per day, 100 SMS per day, unlimited calls and a lengthy 122‑day validity. Removing these plans leaves a gap in Jio’s entry-level offerings.
Bharti Airtel has taken a different approach by retaining its ₹319 pack but quietly reducing the data allowance. Previously, the ₹319 plan delivered 2 GB of daily data, unlimited voice calls and 100 SMS per day for a month. Now, new subscribers only receive 1.5 GB of data per day, although the price and validity remain the same. The reduction effectively raises the cost of data for users who consume more than 1.5 GB per day and may push them toward pricier recharge options with higher quotas.
Industry experts note that both operators raised their tariffs by around 15 percent in July and are expected to implement another hike before the end of the year. By withdrawing or weakening low‑cost packs, companies can nudge customers toward mid‑range plans where margins are better. This strategy is part of a broader effort to improve profitability after years of price wars in India’s fiercely competitive telecom market. Analysts expect similar rationalisation from Vodafone Idea once it launches its 5G network.
For consumers, the immediate effect is fewer affordable options and a need to reassess data usage. Customers who previously relied on Jio’s ₹249 or ₹209 plans will have to pick from more expensive packs starting around ₹299. Airtel subscribers on the ₹319 plan should monitor their data usage to avoid running out of high-speed data before the month ends. As tariffs evolve, users are advised to compare plan benefits carefully and consider whether their consumption patterns justify shifting to plans with higher data allowances.
