Telecom giant Airtel has removed its most affordable ₹299 prepaid plan from its platforms. Customers must now opt for a minimum recharge of ₹349 to continue services.
Key Takeaways
- Airtel has discontinued its highly popular ₹299 prepaid plan.
- The new minimum entry-level recharge is now ₹349.
- The ₹349 plan offers an increased daily data limit of 2GB.
- Reports suggest higher-value packs like ₹579 and ₹619 may also be phased out.
In a significant move for telecom subscribers, Airtel has officially discontinued its most sought-after ₹299 prepaid recharge plan. The plan has been delisted from the company's official website and the Airtel Thanks App, marking a shift in the company's pricing strategy for budget-conscious users.
The erstwhile ₹299 plan provided 28 days of validity, unlimited calling, and 1GB of daily data. With its removal, the ₹349 plan has emerged as the new baseline for Airtel's prepaid services. While the cost has increased, the company has bumped up the daily data quota to 2GB per day for this new minimum tier.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this move is part of a broader industry trend where telecom operators are shifting focus from volume to value. By removing low-margin plans and bundling premium subscriptions like Apple Music and Adobe Express, Airtel is attempting to increase its Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) while offering a more holistic digital experience.
The removal of entry-level data packs suggests that telecom players are prioritizing high-value customers over mass-market low-cost users.
Plan Comparison
| Feature | Old Plan (Discontinued) | New Minimum Plan | Alternative Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹299 | ₹349 | ₹399 |
| Validity | 28 Days | 28 Days | 28 Days |
| Daily Data | 1GB | 2GB | 2.5GB |
| Key Benefit | Perplexity Pro AI | Apple Music/Adobe | JioHotstar |
Furthermore, industry insiders and tipsters on X (formerly Twitter) suggest that Airtel may also be phasing out the ₹579 and ₹619 packs. While these plans are still visible in certain circles like UP and Uttarakhand, the trend indicates a major restructuring of Airtel's prepaid portfolio across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the cheapest Airtel prepaid plan currently available?
A1: The current cheapest prepaid plan offered by Airtel is the ₹349 pack.
Q2: Does the new ₹349 plan include 5G data?
A2: Yes, Airtel provides unlimited 5G data to users on eligible plans in 5G-covered areas.
