After two years without a significant increase, telecom operators appear poised for tariff rationalisation to improve revenues and monetise their growing 5G investments
Higher tariffs could lift average revenue per user. Airtel leads at about ₹264 a month, followed by Jio at ₹216, while Vi and BSNL remain far lower
Jio’s ₹299 entry-level plan and reintroduced Prime membership, alongside Airtel’s withdrawal of its ₹299 plan, point to a possible shift in tariff strategy
Stronger revenues can support investment in 5G, cybersecurity and anti-spam systems, helping telecom companies keep pace with rapid technological change
With only three tariff increases since 2019 and a history of financial stress, better returns are crucial for sustaining competition and preventing further industry consolidation
Rural mobile teledensity is only 59.46%. Tariff rationalisation must therefore balance industry viability with affordable access for underserved consumers