Airtel Removes Cheapest ₹249 Plan: Users Forced to Pay Extra for 1GB Daily Data

In a move that impacts millions of budget-conscious mobile users, Bharti Airtel has discontinued its popular ₹249 prepaid plan, which offered 1GB daily data, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day. This plan was widely preferred by students, working-class individuals, and light data users.

Now, customers must switch to the ₹299 plan to continue enjoying the same benefits—albeit with an additional ₹50 cost and four extra days of validity.

This decision follows a similar move by Reliance Jio, which earlier removed its own ₹249 entry-level plan. Together, the two telecom giants have signaled a shift in India’s prepaid market: the end of ultra-cheap daily data packs.

📊 What Has Changed?

Old Airtel ₹249 Plan (Discontinued)

• Data: 1GB/day
• Validity: ~24–28 days
• Calls: Unlimited voice
• SMS: 100/day
• Extras: HelloTunes, Perplexity Pro AI, Xstream Play

New Airtel ₹299 Plan (Replacement)

• Data: 1GB/day
• Validity: ~28–32 days
• Calls: Unlimited voice
• SMS: 100/day
• Extras: Same add-ons
• Price Increase: +₹50 (20% hike)

While the ₹299 plan offers a bit more validity, the core data benefits remain unchanged. Effectively, users must pay more for nearly the same service.

📉 Why Are Telcos Removing Budget Plans?

1. Push for Higher ARPU (Average Revenue Per User)

Telecom companies like Airtel and Jio have been vocal about India’s low data tariffs. According to Airtel MD Gopal Vittal, data in India is far cheaper than in countries with lower per capita incomes. For instance:

• Average mobile data price in India: ₹10–12 per GB
• Global average: ₹200+ per GB

This price disparity makes it difficult for telcos to maintain profitability, given the high costs of spectrum, 5G rollouts, and infrastructure upgrades.

2. Industry-Wide Tariff Hikes

Both Jio and Airtel removed the ₹249 plan almost simultaneously. This suggests an industry consensus to phase out entry-level daily data packs and move users to higher-value plans.

3. Investor Confidence & Stock Market Boost

The move was well-received by investors. Airtel’s shares rose nearly 2% after news of the plan’s removal, reflecting confidence in improved ARPU and revenue outlook.

👥 Who Does This Affect the Most?

1. Students & Young Professionals – Many relied on ₹249 plans for affordable access to online classes, social media, and OTT content.
2. Low-Income Households – For those who used data sparingly, this was a budget-friendly option.
3. Small-Town & Rural Users – Where WiFi penetration is low, prepaid plans remain the only gateway to the internet.

Now, these users will need to either pay more or downgrade usage.

🔄 Alternatives After Airtel’s ₹249 Plan Removal

If you’re an Airtel customer impacted by this change, here are your options:

1. Shift to ₹299 Plan (Direct Replacement)

• Best for users who don’t need more than 1GB/day.
• Offers 4 extra days of validity.

2. Consider 1.5GB/Day Plans (Better Value)

• Airtel ₹299 (1.5GB/day) – More data for the same price.
• Jio ₹299 (1.5GB/day) – Similar benefits, stronger network in some regions.
• Vi ₹299 (1.5GB/day) – Often includes weekend data rollover.

3. Explore Long-Validity Plans

If you can pay upfront, 84-day or 90-day plans provide better value and save you from frequent recharges.

• Airtel’s 84-day plan (1.5GB/day) – ₹859
• Jio’s 84-day plan (1.5GB/day) – ₹799

4. BSNL as a Budget Option

BSNL still offers cheaper plans, but network quality and 4G/5G rollout lag behind. Best suited for rural areas where BSNL has coverage advantage.

📈 Bigger Picture: The Future of Telecom Pricing

1. Gradual Price Hikes Are Here to Stay
   Both Airtel and Jio are clearly moving toward higher minimum tariffs. Industry experts predict another 10–15% tariff hike by 2026.
2. Bundled Services Will Rise
   Expect telcos to bundle OTT apps, music subscriptions, and AI-based services to justify higher prices.
3. Rural Users May Struggle
   As base-level plans vanish, affordability becomes a concern for rural households, where per capita income is lower and mobile data is the primary source of connectivity.
4. Digital Divide Could Widen
   If entry-level plans keep disappearing, India’s Digital India mission might face challenges in ensuring internet access for all.