A looming price hike in tariff plans is set to hit consumers in the telecom sector, with major players such as Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea gearing up for adjustments in their prepaid and postpaid recharge offerings.
This development spells potential financial strain for users, particularly those accustomed to managing multiple SIM cards in their devices.
It’s been over two and a half years since the last tariff plan price increase in December 2021, leaving consumers bracing for adjustments as industry experts anticipate revisions from the leading telecom service providers.
Users with dual SIM phones are likely to bear the brunt of these changes, facing increased costs to maintain the activation of their secondary SIMs.
Presently, a minimum recharge of Rs 150 is required to keep Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea SIMs active.
However, with the anticipated tariff adjustments, this amount could escalate to between Rs 180 and Rs 200.
Consequently, individuals using two SIMs could find themselves shelling out at least Rs 400 monthly for a 28-day validity period.
The impact of the tariff hikes will be felt across various recharge denominations.
For instance, those accustomed to a monthly recharge of Rs 300 may find themselves paying an additional Rs 75 per month post-adjustment.
Similarly, subscribers opting for a Rs 500 monthly recharge could face an extra expenditure of Rs 125.
Adding to the financial burden, Reliance Jio and Airtel are expected to roll out 5G recharge plans in the near future, currently offered at no cost.
However, the transition to 5G, alongside the impending price hikes in 4G plans, could substantially elevate monthly expenses for consumers.
With the 5G plans likely to be priced higher than their 4G counterparts, and the latter also experiencing price increases, users may see their monthly expenditures surge by approximately 50%.
As consumers prepare for these impending changes, the telecom sector braces for a new wave of pricing adjustments, underscoring the evolving landscape of telecommunications in India.
