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3d ago

Jio and Airtel Scrap ₹249 Packs, Reset Online Entry Tariff to ₹299

Analysts say the shift lifts ARPU to support 5G rollouts.

Industry analysts expect this change to be a precursor to another round of tariff hikes across telecom operators between October 2025 and January 2026.
Airtel Rs 249 plan discontinued
Jio Rs 249 Plan Discontinued
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Overview

  • Jio has removed its ₹209 (22‑day) and ₹249 (28‑day) 1GB/day plans from online recharge, with a company executive saying they remain available only at physical points of sale.
  • Airtel confirmed on its app that the ₹249 pack was discontinued from 00:00 on August 20, making ₹299 its new entry plan for 28 days.
  • The effective online industry floor moves to ₹299 for monthly recharges, while Vodafone Idea continues to offer ₹249 in some channels for now.
  • JM Financial estimates that 20–25% of Jio users were on the affected packs, implying a ₹11–13 monthly ARPU uplift and a potential ₹1,900–2,200 crore FY27 consolidated EBITDA increase if users upgrade.
  • ICRA and other brokerages expect another round of smaller tariff hikes between October 2025 and January 2026 compared with 2024, and Jio has also moved to discontinue its ₹799/84‑day 1.5GB/day plan online in favour of ₹889.