Bharti Airtel has officially discontinued its ₹249 prepaid recharge plan offering 1 GB per day data, effective from midnight on August 20, 2025, as confirmed via the Airtel Thanks app.
What’s Changed: New Entry-Level Plan
- The ₹249 plan, popular for its balanced short-term validity (24 days), unlimited calls, and daily data, has now been withdrawn.
- In its place, the ₹299 plan, offering 1.5 GB per day and 28-day validity, becomes the new cheapest data option for Airtel users.
Sector Trends: Unified Shift Across Telecom Providers
- Reliance Jio led the shift by phasing out both the ₹209 and ₹249 plans, positioning its ₹299 pack (1.5 GB/day) as the new entry-level option.
- Analysts note a broader industry trend underway, with Vodafone Idea expected to follow this pricing realignment.
Market Response and Industry Implications
- Airtel’s stock reacted positively, rising by over 2%, as investors welcomed the strategic move to raise base revenue per user.
- This move aligns with telecom operators’ focus on ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) improvements amid elevated infrastructure investments.
What Consumers Should Know
| Aspect | Before (₹249 Plan) | After (₹299 Plan) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Data | 1 GB | 1.5 GB |
| Validity | 24 days | 28 days |
| Minimum Recharge Cost | ₹249 | ₹299 |
Airtel subscribers now must recharge with a higher-priced plan to access daily data packages. This marks a notable shift in the prepaid landscape, signaling a push toward higher-value offerings.
Tags: Airtel ₹249 Plan Discontinued, Airtel 1.5GB Plan, Airtel Recharge Update, Telecom News, Bharti Airtel Pricing Change
