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Airtel has suddenly discontinued its two cheap prepaid plans, due to which the uneasiness among the customers has increased. These plans of less than Rs 200 were very popular among budget users. After this step, the fear of tariff hike has increased and mobile recharge may soon become more expensive.
New Delhi. Airtel has made a major change in its cheap prepaid plans and discontinued two popular packs of less than Rs 200. These were the same plans which were very useful for users with limited budget. Now after the removal of these packs, customers may have to go towards expensive options. This move has once again strengthened the possibility of a tariff hike in the telecom sector, especially when the company has been focusing on increasing ARPU for some time.
121 and 181 plans closed, increased tension among users
Airtel has removed two prepaid data plans—₹121 and ₹181—from its official app and website. Both the plans were popular for their 30-day validity and data-only benefits. Removing this plan means that now customers will have to choose higher priced plans to get the same benefits. Seeing these changes, experts believe that Airtel may soon increase its tariff.
What are the new options? Data relief will be available here
After removing the cheap plans, a 30-day data-only plan is available on Airtel’s website for Rs 100, in which 6GB data is available. This plan also claims to provide access to 20 OTT apps like SonyLIV etc. Whereas in the plan of Rs 161, users get 12GB data and validity of 30 days. Apart from this, a plan of Rs 195 is also an option, in which 12GB data and JioHotstar subscription is being given. However, price-wise, these plans are costlier than the discontinued packs, due to which users may have to change their recharge strategy.
Customers are increasing, but prices may also increase
According to TRAI’s October 2025 report, the number of mobile and wireline subscribers in the country has reached 123.1 crore. Airtel also added 12.52 lakh new subscribers in October, taking its total subscriber base to 39.36 crore. Airtel remains the second largest telecom company in the country with a large share of premium customers. Experts believe that despite the increase in customers, due to the company’s ARPU strategy, tariff hike is almost certain in the coming months, due to which recharge is expected to become expensive.
