Jio's data tariff move strong signal for Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea

Jio's increase in entry-level data tariffs could push its FY26 revenue up by 4-5%. This move is expected to trigger similar tariff hikes by Airtel and Vodafone Idea, benefitting the entire sector.

Jio has discontinued its 1GB/day data plan of Rs 249 (28-day validity), making its 1.5GB/day plan (Rs 299) the entry-level data plan, with 17 per cent increase at entry level. Jio has a subscriber base of 498 million, (213 million are 5G). About 30-35 per cent of the base is affected. This could lead to a 4-5 per cent increase in Jio’s FY26 estimated revenue. Going by history, it could set off another round of tariff hikes by Bharti Airtel (Bharti) and Vodafone Idea (VIL).

 

Jio may be closer to a long awaited listing and both Airtel and VIL would