New Delhi, Close on the heels of Vodafone Idea (VIL) and Bharti Airtel, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio Infocomm, on Sunday announced an increase in prepaid tariff rates by as much as 20 per cent. The new unlimited plans, which the telecom operator Reliance Jio claims are in line with its commitment to further strengthen a sustainable telecom industry, will be effective from 1 December, 2021.
“The plans will provide the best value in the industry, upholding the Jio promise of providing best-quality service at the lowest price globally, Jio customers will continue to be the biggest beneficiaries, a company statement said.
The current ₹ 75 plan will cost ₹ 91 from December 1, a hike of more than 20 per cent. The ₹ 129 plan will cost ₹ 155, ₹ 399 plan will cost ₹ 479, the ₹ 1,299 plan will become ₹ 1,559 and the ₹ 2,399 plan will cost ₹ 2,879. Jio further mentioned that data top-ups will now cost ₹ 61 for 6 GB (up from ₹ 51), ₹ 121 for 12 GB (up from ₹ 101), and ₹ 301 for 50 GB (up from ₹ 251).
All the three telecom majors have announced the hikes within a week of each other. Bharti Airtel and Vi increased prepaid tariffs by 20-25 per cent, citing the need for higher Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) and to address the financial stress faced by the industry amid demand for new technologies and telecom spectrum dues to the government. While Airtel raised tariff with effect from November 26, Vi’s increase was effective from November 25.