Entry-Level Plan Removals, Hidden Affordable Packs & Rising Prices: Is TRAI Failing Mobile Users?

In recent weeks, India’s leading telecom operators quietly withdrew their lowest-cost 1 GB/day plans (formerly priced at ₹249), replaced them with higher-priced alternatives, and shifted many “affordable” plans off mainstream channels.

Consumers allege that TRAI (the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) is not acting decisively to protect their interests. This article examines what changed in telecom pricing, how users are being affected, and how TRAI and the government are responding.

What’s Changing in Telecom Plans

Removal of Entry-Level Plans

In August 2025, both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel removed their ₹249 1 GB/day entry-level prepaid plans from their online platforms. The ₹249 plan had been one of the most accessible plans for budget users.

• Airtel stopped supporting that plan entirely, replacing it with a ₹299 plan valid for 28 days offering 1 GB/day.
• Jio removed the ₹249 plan from its online storefront but reportedly continues to make it available in select physical stores.

Hidden Affordable Options

While the ₹249 plans were taken down from apps and websites, some users report that similar low-cost plans are still being retained, albeit “hidden” from standard digital interfaces and only accessible via physical stores or branch offices.

Price Increases and Plan Tweaks

Analysts see these moves less as anomalies and more as precursors to broader tariff hikes. Telecom operators have subtly adjusted base data plans upward: for example, Jio now offers 1.5 GB/day at ₹299 instead of 1 GB/day.

The expectation is that these incremental adjustments might pave the way for a more sweeping tariff revision across all segments later in the year.

Effects on Users and the Digital Divide

Rising Access Barrier

The withdrawal of ultra-low-cost plans erodes affordable connectivity for economically vulnerable users. Many rely on basic data and calling plans to maintain access to essential services like education, banking, and communications.

Forced Shift to Data-Centric Packs

With voice and SMS bundled into “all-in-one” plans, users are being nudged toward data-heavy packs even if their usage is light. This shift can raise costs for users who mostly need voice or minimal data.

Hidden Options Create Information Asymmetry

Obscuring lower-cost plans from digital storefronts makes it harder for users to compare and choose. This reduces transparency and may disadvantage those less familiar with telecom stratagems or less able to visit physical stores.

TRAI’s Role: Regulation or Inaction?

TRAI Probes Operators, but Action Is Limited

In response to public outcry and DoT directives, TRAI has asked Jio and Airtel to explain why they withdrew affordable entry-level plans.

However, TRAI’s recent stance is that while it is reviewing the responses for compliance, it does not perceive an urgent need to intervene at present.

Legal Powers and Constraints

Telecom operators in India have the freedom to set tariffs and structure plans, subject to reporting obligations. TRAI’s role is primarily oversight, ensuring compliance with regulatory norms and protecting consumer rights.

Because the operators appear to have followed reporting guidelines and justified their decisions, TRAI appears reluctant to impose immediate corrective measures.

Consumer Reactions and Criticism

Many consumers view TRAI’s inaction as a failure to protect the public interest, especially given telecom connectivity’s essential role in today’s digital world. Some critics claim TRAI is “sleeping” while operators engineer higher margin strategies.

Broader Market and Policy Implications

ARPU Over Affordability

Withdrawal of budget plans is likely to boost Average Revenue per User (ARPU) for telecom operators. Analysts estimate additional ₹10–13 per month in ARPU gains from plan removals.

Risk of Digital Exclusion

Removing affordable connectivity in a country with significant rural and economically weaker segments risks deepening the digital divide. Internet access may become disproportionately expensive for the most vulnerable.

Possible Regulatory Evolution

If consumer dissatisfaction grows, TRAI or the Department of Telecommunications may be pressured to revisit regulations, such as mandating a guaranteed “entry-level plan” or stricter transparency on plan visibility.

India’s telecom giants have quietly dismantled many of their lowest-cost plans, elevated base data pricing, and relegated affordable options to less visible channels. While TRAI has questioned these moves and is reviewing operator submissions, it has paused on strong intervention, citing no immediate regulatory breach.

The outcome of this standoff will shape whether affordable connectivity remains truly within reach for all or becomes an increasingly gated privilege.

Tags: TRAI inaction, telecom tariffs India, removal of entry-level plans, Jio Airtel price hikes, affordable mobile plans India, digital inclusion, telecom regulation India, TRAI probe telecom, telecom consumer rights