Mobile Tariff Hike Alert: Jio, Airtel and Vi May Increase Recharge Prices by 20 Percent in 2026
Mobile Tariff Hike: With only a few days left until the start of 2026, worrying news is emerging for mobile subscribers across India. As the new year begins, the monthly budget of the common man is likely to take a significant hit. Leading telecom giants like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) are reportedly planning to hike their tariff plans once again. In a market already grappling with the rising cost of essential goods, this potential increase in mobile recharge prices has added to the financial woes of the middle class.
How Much Will the Prices Increase?
According to media reports and telecom analysts, substantial changes may be introduced to both prepaid and postpaid plans early next year. Telecom companies are preparing to increase prices by 16 to 20 percent aiming to boost their Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). This means subscribers will have to shell out significantly more money for the same benefits they are currently enjoying. Many companies have already discontinued their cheaper entry-level plans, leaving customers with no choice but to opt for higher-priced packages.
Estimated Cost Impact
To help understand the impact, here is a breakdown of how the prices might change. If a current unlimited plan costs ₹300 and companies implement a 20% hike, the new pricing structure could look something like this:
| Current Plan (Approx.) | Estimated New Price (+20%) |
|---|---|
| ₹299 | ₹359 (Approx.) |
| ₹479 | ₹575 (Approx.) |
| ₹719 | ₹863 (Approx.) |
This implies that for every recharge cycle, a customer’s expense could jump by ₹60 to ₹100 instantly, which accumulates to a significant amount annually.
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Join on TelegramWhy Are Prices Rising Repeatedly?
Subscribers might wonder why recharge prices are being hiked so frequently. The primary reason behind this is the lack of competition in the market. While there were once multiple players like Aircel, Tata DoCoMo, and Uninor, the telecom market is now dominated by three private entities. Although the state-owned BSNL exists, its network issues and delayed 4G rollout force most customers to rely on private operators. Experts believe that companies are leveraging this oligopoly to dictate prices.
A History of Hikes
This is not the first time mobile recharge prices have surged. Over the past few years, the burden on consumers has increased in phases:
- 2019: Prices saw a massive jump of 15 to 50 percent alongside major industry shifts.
- 2021: Post-pandemic, tariffs were hiked by 20 to 25 percent.
- 2024: Earlier this year, prices were increased by another 10 to 20 percent.
It remains to be seen exactly when these new rates will come into effect in the new year and how the general public will adapt to this additional financial pressure.
