Airtel CEO hints at tariff hike in 2022 amid cost pressure, 5G rollout

Gopal Vittal says hike could happen after 3-4 months depending upon subscriber growth and competitive dynamics; asserts his firm will not hesitate to lead the spike

Bharti Airtel chief executive officer Gopal Vittal, on Wednesday, hinted at another hike in tariff in 2022 as the telecom sector battles cost pressures and prepares for 5G service rollout.

Vittal said he expects a tariff hike some time in 2022 and that could happen after 3-4 months depending upon subscriber growth and competitive dynamics. “We would not hesitate to take the lead in hiking tariffs,” he said while hoping average revenue per user (ARPU) to rise from the current Rs 163 to Rs 200.

Airtel was the first to raise tariffs for prepaid plans last November. Vodafone Idea and