New Delhi. In today’s era, smartphone is not just a means of making calls, but studies, work, banking and entertainment everything depends on it. As soon as the mobile data runs out, it seems as if everyday life has come to a standstill. But now the expenditure on this need is going to increase. The country’s big telecom companies Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea are preparing to increase the prices of mobile recharge plans. Experts say that users may face a big shock in 2026.
According to Morgan Stanley report, mobile tariffs may increase by 16 to 20 percent in the year 2026. In the telecom sector, prices are usually increased once every 2 years. The last time recharges became expensive was in July 2024. In such a situation, the time for the next increase is near.
Both 4G and 5G plans will be expensive
This time the rates of not only 5G but also 4G plans may increase. The focus of the companies is on increasing the average earnings from one user i.e. ARPU. In particular, there are preparations to put plans with 2GB data per day in the premium category. This means that those using high speed data may have to pay more.
5G technology became the biggest reason
Investment in network maintenance and infrastructure has been an old compulsion of the telecom sector, but this time 5G is the biggest reason. 5G network is spreading rapidly across the country. To provide more speed and better quality, companies are preparing to pass the burden of investment directly on the users.
Why is it necessary to increase the earnings of telecom companies?
Due to increase in rates, there is expected to be a big jump in the earnings of the telecom sector, especially in the financial year of 2027. At present, Bharti Airtel earns an average of Rs 256 from one customer. If there is an increase of 20 percent then this figure can cross Rs 300. There is also a possibility of ARPU reaching Rs 400 in the next 5 years.
Airtel gets maximum benefit, challenge for Vodafone Idea
Bharti Airtel can get the most benefit from the increased tariff. Reliance Jio will also get strength from this. But this path may be difficult for Vodafone Idea, which is already facing financial pressure. Retaining customers with expensive plans will be a big challenge for it.
Fear of churn, but companies confident
As the tariff increases, many users shift towards cheaper networks or smaller plans, which is called churn in telecom language. However, companies believe that this effect is temporary. It has been seen earlier also that after 2 to 3 quarters, users become accustomed to the new rates.
Accept small loss for long gain
Telecom companies are assuming that after the initial shock their earnings will be stable and strong. They are ready to take this risk in order to earn more in the long run in exchange for short-term losses. Overall, using a mobile phone may become more expensive for the common man in 2026. Now the price of high speed internet and new technology will have to be paid from the pocket.
