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Jio Discontinues Basic Plan, Rivals Poised to Raise Tariffs
19 Aug
Summary
- Jio scraps its basic 28-day, 1GB/day plan
- Airtel and Vodafone Idea expected to follow suit
- Telecom industry braces for tariff hikes
On August 18, 2025, Reliance Jio announced the discontinuation of its entry-level 28-day, 1GB/day prepaid plan. This move has sparked speculation about similar actions by Jio's rivals, Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi).
Jio's subscribers now need to choose from higher-priced packs, starting at Rs 299 for 1.5 GB/day. This change effectively leaves customers with no option but to purchase more expensive plans. Airtel's Gopal Vittal had previously advocated for tariff revisions, and industry trends suggest Airtel and Vi may follow Jio's lead.
Compared to Jio's new prepaid entry price, Vi's 1GB/day, 28-day plan currently costs Rs 299, while Airtel's 1GB/day, 28-day plan is priced at Rs 299. Both telecom operators are expected to adjust their tariffs in the coming weeks to match Jio's revised pricing structure.
The telecom industry has been facing a challenging market, with Jio and Airtel emerging as the two frontrunners, accounting for the bulk of India's wireless market. This latest move by Jio is likely to further intensify the competition, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers across the board.
