Economic Times reports 10-15% tariff jumps by December – your wallet feels the pinch already?
Bad news for binge-scrollers and unlimited callers: India's telecom giants are gearing up for another round of prepaid recharge hikes, as per a fresh Economic Times report cited across media outlets. As of December 11, 2025, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) are tipped to lead with 10-15% increases starting as early as December 1, pushing users toward pricier plans amid 5G rollout costs and AGR dues.
No official word yet from the telcos, but industry whispers (via Axis Capital, JP Morgan, and tipsters like Abhishek Yadav) point to hikes between December 2025 and mid-2026. Why now? Skyrocketing 5G capex, stagnant ARPU (Jio at ₹211, Airtel at ₹233), and Vi's desperate cash crunch from ₹70,000 crore AGR debts.
The Hike Blueprint: What's Changing?
| Telco | Expected Hike | Sample Plan Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Airtel | 10-15% (up to 25% on premium) | ₹299 (1.5GB/day, 28 days) → ₹329-₹349 ₹719 (84 days) → ₹799 |
| Vi | 10-12% (desperate for revenue) | ₹299 (1.5GB/day) → ₹329 ₹719 (84 days) → ₹789 |
| Jio (Likely Follower) | 10-15% (post-IPO pressure?) | ₹299 (1.5GB/day) → ₹329 ₹899 (2GB/day, 84 days) → ₹999 |
| Overall ARPU Target | ₹200-₹217 by FY26 | Prepaid & postpaid both hit; more data perks to soften blow |
Why the Hike? The Telcos' Side
- 5G Cash Burn: Jio/Airtel spent ₹1 lakh crore+ on spectrum; need ARPU boost to recover.
- Vi's Survival Mode: Bleeding subscribers (2M loss in Oct), needs cash for 5G delay.
- Silent Prep: Already killed cheap 1GB/day plans (₹249 → ₹299 for 1.5GB), up 17% indirectly.
- Analyst Consensus: JP Morgan eyes 15% jump pre-Jio IPO; CLSA wants 20% for sustainability.
Your Opinion Spot-On: Why Jio Will Follow
You're bang on – Jio rarely leads hikes but mirrors them to avoid churn. Post-2024's synced 20% jump, history repeats: Airtel/Vi move, Jio matches within days to protect 48cr user base.
What Should You Do? Pro Tips
- Recharge Now: Lock in current prices via MyJio/Airtel Thanks app – validity carries over.
- Go Annual: 365-day plans (₹3,000+) could save 10-15% vs. monthly post-hike.
- Watch BSNL: State-run might hold steady or undercut – but network woes persist.
- Track ARPU Perks: Expect bundled Disney+ Hotstar or extra data to mask the sting.
Final Verdict: Brace for the Bill
These hikes are "unavoidable" per analysts – telcos need ₹200+ ARPU to survive 5G's black hole. But with 123cr subscribers, even 10% adds billions in revenue. Your take? Spot-on about Jio – the real question is how much "free data" they'll throw to ease the pain.
Time to stock up on recharges? Or switching to BSNL? Spill in comments! 💬
*Based on ET-cited reports & analyst forecasts as of Dec 11, 2025. No official confirmations yet.*
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