Mobile Recharge Plans Likely to Get Costlier Soon
If you’re someone who opts for mid or high-tier mobile recharge plans, here’s an important update. Leading telecom providers such as Jio and Airtel are expected to raise their tariffs by 10–12% by the end of the year. The sharp rise in mobile subscribers during May has boosted the confidence of these companies, making them believe users are now ready to pay more. However, this price hike will mainly impact those who already spend significantly on their mobile plans.
Record active users in May
This planning to increase the tariff is not happening just like that. In May 2025, about 7.4 million new active mobile users have been added in India, taking the total number of active users in the country to 1.08 billion. Reliance Jio alone added 5.5 million and Airtel 1.3 million users, which strengthened the market share of both.
This time the target will be mid and high users
The telecom industry is definitely moving towards a reduction of 10–12%, but this time it will not be limited to only base plans. The last time the prices were increased in July 2024, the basic plans had increased by 11–23%. This time companies will target mid and high range plan users, so that revenue can be increased, but without losing many customers.
This change will happen in the new recharge plan
Now companies can leave the ‘one-size-fits-all’ model. Experts believe that now plans with different prices can be introduced based on data speed, time slot, or data usage. That is, those who use less data or those who use it late at night can get different tariffs. With this, customers will be able to choose the plan only according to their needs.
5G and tariff
Quoting experts, ET said that the pace of adding customers will now depend on how quickly and how good the service 5G provides. If Vodafone Idea’s declining condition gives Airtel and Jio more opportunities to increase their share and earnings.
Companies like BNP Paribas estimate that the telecom sector’s earnings will grow in double digits from 2025 to 2027. The reason for this will be – rising tariffs and users’ inclination towards bundled plans. Airtel MD Gopal Vittal also believes that now there is a need for ‘personalized tariffs’.
On one hand there is the promise of 5G, on the other hand there is an increasing burden on the pocket. Telecom companies are trying to earn more from mid and high-users, but if the plans become too expensive, then users can also turn to other companies.
