Airtel Adjusts Pricing on Its 84-Day Prepaid Plan
Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecom providers, has revised its prepaid offerings, delivering a notable change for its customers. The company has increased the price of its popular 84-day validity plan, a move that signals a broader trend of gradually rising costs in the telecom sector. Previously available for ₹859, this plan now carries a price tag of ₹899. Additionally, Airtel has completely discontinued its ₹799 plan, further streamlining its portfolio.
What Does the New ₹899 Plan Offer?
Despite the price hike, the core benefits of the ₹899 plan remain largely unchanged. Subscribers will continue to enjoy unlimited local, STD, and national roaming calls throughout the 84-day period. The plan also includes 100 free SMS messages per day. For data users, the plan provides 1.5GB of high-speed data daily. Once the daily data limit is reached, internet speeds are reduced to a maximum of 64kbps, ensuring basic connectivity without additional charges.
Additional Perks and Changes
The updated plan comes with several extra features designed to add value. Customers receive a 12-month subscription to Adobe Express Premium, spam protection alerts for calls and messages, and one free Hello Tunes subscription every 30 days. However, Airtel has removed the RewardsMini cashback benefit that was previously included in this plan. The company has not yet released an official statement explaining this specific change.
A Broader Shift in Telecom Pricing
While this price increase may seem modest and limited to a single plan, it reflects a larger pattern within the telecom industry. Airtel appears to be gradually reducing discounts on its most popular 1.5GB data plans. This strategy likely aims to encourage users to transition to 5G services and to boost the company’s average revenue per user (ARPU). As the sector evolves, consumers can expect further adjustments as providers balance affordability with investments in next-generation technology.
Key Features of the Airtel ₹899 Plan
- Validity: 84 days
- Voice Calls: Unlimited local, STD, and national roaming
- Daily Data: 1.5GB at high speed, then reduced to 64kbps
- Daily SMS: 100 messages
- Bonus Benefits: 12-month Adobe Express Premium, spam alerts, and monthly Hello Tunes
- Removed Feature: RewardsMini cashback no longer included
What This Means for Airtel Users
For existing Airtel prepaid customers, this change may prompt a reassessment of their current plans. The discontinuation of the ₹799 option means fewer budget-friendly choices for those seeking longer validity periods. Meanwhile, the ₹899 plan still offers a robust package for users who rely heavily on calls and daily data. As telecom companies continue to refine their offerings, staying informed about plan updates can help users make cost-effective decisions.
Industry Implications
The telecom sector in India is witnessing a slow but steady upward trend in pricing. Airtel’s move to increase the cost of its 84-day plan, while subtle, aligns with efforts to improve revenue metrics and fund network expansions, particularly for 5G infrastructure. This approach mirrors similar strategies adopted by competitors, suggesting that affordable long-term plans may become less common over time. For now, the ₹899 plan remains a viable option for those who value extended validity and comprehensive features, albeit at a slightly higher cost than before.
