The major telecom companies in India, Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi), will charge their consumers extra for mobile services as of today, July 3, 2024. With price increases ranging from 11% to 27%, all three firms have announced hefty tariff hikes across their postpaid and prepaid programs.

The main drivers behind the rate increases, according to the telecom operators, are the need to increase average revenue per user (ARPU) and finance investments in 5G infrastructure. Consumers will now pay extra for other cell services, calling, and daily data consumption.

tariff hikes
Image Source: TelecomTalk

Although many customers may not be pleased to hear about the price rises, the telecom companies contend that the adjustments are required to guarantee the industry's long-term viability. The goal of these tariff modifications is to produce the necessary funds for network expansion and upgrades as India continues its 5G rollout.

To potentially reduce their mobile charges, customers are recommended to check their current plans and think about recharging before the new rates go into effect. Customers of Vodafone Idea (Vi), however, would not be able to queue several recharges at the previous prices as the new tariffs will take effect immediately.

The telecom sector in India is changing dramatically, and these rate increases reflect the industry's attempts to keep up with new technological developments and changing market conditions. To control how the changes will affect their monthly mobile bills, consumers must remain aware of the changes and make appropriate plans.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has not raised its rates, in contrast to Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi), which recently announced large tariff hikes across their prepaid and postpaid plans. With this change, BSNL's plans are now significantly cheaper than the updated offerings of other private telecom companies. It's crucial to remember that, particularly in some areas, BSNL's network coverage and speeds might not match those of private providers.

Impact of Tariff Hikes on Various Plans

Numerous plans, from entry-level options to high-data monthly and annual subscriptions, may be impacted by the adjustments. An overview of the new prices is as follows:

Jio Prepaid Plans: Tariff Hikes Overview

6GB of 4G data is now available for 84 days with the Rs 479 plan (up from Rs 395).
1.5GB of 4G data per day for 84 days is included in the Rs 799 package (up from Rs 666).
Jio's plans, which were previously priced at Rs 719 (Rs 859 currently) and Rs 999 (Rs 1199 currently), respectively, now give access to 5G along with 2GB and 3GB of 4G data per day for 84 day

Airtel Prepaid Plans: Adjustments Due to Tariff Hikes

6GB of 4G data and unlimited calls for 84 days are included in the Rs 509 plan (up from Rs 455).
The Rs 859 plan (up from Rs 719) offers unlimited calls for 84 days and 1.5GB of 4G data each day.
For 84 days, Airtel's Rs 979 plan (up from Rs 839) provides 2GB of 4G data per day, unlimited calls, and 5G internet access.

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