Airtel hikes tariff of prepaid plans by 20-25 per cent; Now customers have to pay more for these plans

Bharati Airtel, one of India’s largest telecom operator gave an shock to its users as it announced 20-25 per cent tariffs hikes for various prepaid plans on Monday. The new tariff hikes will be applicable on the prepaid plans from November 26. Tariffs for post-paid customers may also increase more after some changes made recently.

According to reports, the tariff of entry-level voice plan has been hiked by about 25 per cent, while for unlimited voice bundles the increase is about 20 per cent.

With the base plan, Airtel has also increased the benefits for the users.

With the hike in the tariff, the new rate of the base voice plan will increase to Rs 99 from the current Rs 79. The Rs 79 plan comes with 28 days validity. The benefits include 50 per cent more talktime, 200 MB data, 1p/sec voice tariff.

Now prepaid customers have to pay up to Rs 179 for the Rs 149 prepaid plan of Airtel. Likewise, the Rs 219 plan will cost Rs 265 after the tariff hike. While the Rs 249 and Rs 298 prepaid plans will increase to Rs 299 and Rs 359 respectively. Rs 598 plan, which is one of the most popular plans from Airtel, will now available at Rs 719.

The Airtel prepaid plans with 84 days validity will now start from a minimum price of Rs 455. So, now the Rs 598 prepaid plan will cost Rs 719 and the Rs 698 plan will be hiked to Rs 839.

On the other hand, the annual plans with 365 days validity, such as the Rs 1,498 prepaid plan will now cost Rs 1,799 and the Rs 2,498 plan will be increased to Rs 2,999.

The unlimited voice bundles and data top-ups category plans will also see a price hike. So, the Rs 48, Rs 98, and Rs 251 vouchers cost will change to Rs 58, Rs 118, and Rs 301.

Customers will enjoy the same benefits provide by the plans but now they have pay more.

“This move will help the company raise mobile Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), which is a key yardstick to measure profitability of mobile companies, to “Rs 200 and ultimately at Rs 300 so as to provide a reasonable return on capital that allows for a financially healthy business model,” said Airtel.

After Airtel, other operators such as the financially-stretched Vodafone Idea may also hike the tariff rates for prepaid plans soon.

Also Read: Check these affordable Airtel broadband plans under Rs 1000 which are student friendly