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Airtel Follows Jio, Discontinues ₹249 Prepaid Plan; New Entry-Level Starts at ₹299

Telco Adjusts Base-Level Data Offerings

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 • The ₹249 plan, popular for its balanced short-term validity (24 days), unlimited calls, and daily data, has now been withdrawn.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.
Airtel Discontinues ₹249 Prepaid Plan
via Airtel Thanks App

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

AspectBefore (₹249 Plan)After (₹299 Plan)
Daily Data1 GB1.5 GB
Validity24 days28 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

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Shubham Mishra

Founder & Editor-in-Chief at PaidFreeDroid. A Computer Science Engineer and MBA covering the tech industry since 2013, Shubham specializes in Smartphone Market Analysis and Technical SEO. He ensures every guide meets PFD's strict accuracy standards.

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