Major set back for Indian mobile users: Jio, Airtel and Vi to raise tariff plans once more.

Indian mobile users: Jio, Airtel and Vi to raise tariff plans once more.

India’s millions of cellphone users could soon probably have to pay more for their mobile recharge packages. Reportedly, Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) are considering once more raising their charges—perhaps as soon as November or December 2025.

What is causing tariffs to rise?

These firms intend the price increase as a component of a bigger strategy meant to increase their profits, sources say. The supplementary funds will be especially useful for 5G deployment in enhancing their network infrastructure.Massive spending—including spectrum fees and current system updates—is needed to deploy 5G nationwide.This is not the first increase. If this happens, it’ll be the second major increase in a short period.As late as mid-2024, just a few months ago, all three—Jio, Airtel, and Vi had increased their prices. The previous rise had set off a major uproar from consumers, some of whom changed to BSNL, the state owned telecommunications provider.

Customers departing for BSNL

Almost ten million customers ceased using the services of these private firms in September 2024, according to TRAI data. During that time, close to 8 million people stopped using Jio’s services. Airtel and VI faced some drops as both are said to have lost somewhere between 1.4-1.5 million subscribers. BSNL, conversely, had significantly more users. Between July and October 2024, BSNL was backed by 5.5 million mobile service users across India. By July,about 1.5 million people had made the switch. That number grew to 2.1 million in August then dropped to 1.1 million in September and by October it had slowed even further to just 700,000.

What does this imply for consumers?

This will soon force the typical Indian mobile use to pay extra for the same services available. Users might not be happy with another increase, though businesses contend the rise is needed to expand 5G into more areas and raise service quality. Should the trend keep, more people might change to BSNL if the governmentcontrolled company carries on with competitive pricing and improved service.

Final comments

Though businesses claim it is for improved services and future investments, the quantum and timing of the raise could aguish many. Given the millions already changed to BSNL following the last increase, will the customer stay with private carriers or keep switching to public one; how will this affect the market?