Shock to 380 million users! Airtel has increased the price of these four recharge plans

RJ Kesari News Desk: Airtel has discontinued four of its prepaid recharge plans in India. These include the popular ₹299 plan. The company has also removed the ₹579, ₹619, and ₹649 plans from its list. 

These have been replaced by more expensive options, costing between 5 and 16 percent more. This means you'll now have to spend approximately ₹50 more per month on these recharges. 

This change has once again sparked speculation about a tariff hike, although Airtel has yet to announce any major tariff hikes. 

However, these plans are no longer visible on the company's official website. Airtel has over 380 million mobile users in India, who will now have to pay higher prices for their mobile recharges.

Rs 299 plan discontinued, now Rs 349 pack

Airtel's Rs. 299 plan used to offer 1.5GB of data per day for 28 days. This plan is no longer available, and a similar alternative is being offered in the form of a Rs. 349 pack. This also offers a 28-day validity, but offers 2GB of data per day. 

This means customers will have to pay Rs. 50 more than before. This represents a price increase of approximately 16%. However, the new plan also offers more daily data.

The Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649 plans have also been removed.

In addition to the Rs. 299 plan, Airtel has also discontinued prepaid plans of Rs. 579, Rs. 619, and Rs. 649. According to reports, replacement plans in these categories are priced 5 to 16 percent higher. 

This has reduced the number of price points available for Airtel prepaid customers. 

However, the lower-priced Rs. 199 and Rs. 219 plans are still available. The Rs. 199 plan offers a total of 2GB of data for 28 days, while the Rs. 219 plan offers a total of 3GB of data for 28 days.

Is a big tariff hike coming?

Airtel's plan changes come at a time when the telecom industry is buzzing with the possibility of another tariff hike. 

According to a report by Centrum Institutional Research, Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea could increase prepaid prices by up to 15 percent over the next three to four months. The report anticipates tariff hikes of 12 to 15 percent. However, Airtel has yet to officially announce any significant price hike.

No confirmation on tariff hike at this time.

Airtel's current move could be an early sign of a tariff increase, but it's too early to call it a full-fledged tariff hike. 

Currently, the changes appear to be limited to select plans. Airtel has been asked for an official response, and the situation may become clearer after the company's statement. 

For now, it's certain that some old recharge options have been discontinued, and some of the plans that replace them are more expensive. We'll also be watching to see if Jio and Vi make similar changes.