Jio's data tariff move strong signal for Airtel, Vi

Jio has discontinued its 1GB/day data plan of ₹249 (28-day validity), making its 1.5GB/day plan (₹299) the entry-level data plan, with 17 per cent increase at entry level.

- DEVANGSHU DATTA

Jio has a subscriber base of 498 million, (213 million are 5G). About 30-35 per cent of the base is affected.

This could lead to a 4-5 per cent increase in Jio's FY26 estimated revenue. Going by history, it could set off another round of tariff hikes by Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi).

Jio may be closer to a long-awaited listing and both Airtel and Vi would be happy to raise tariffs. The reduction in competitive intensity with only three private operators, coupled with rising demand for data makes it apparent the market will absorb calibrated hikes and also push 5G adoption.

Jio's average revenue per user (Arpu) per month in the April-June quarter (Q1) of FY26 was ₹210, against Airtel's ₹250. Vi lagged with Arpu at ₹177. BSNL fell short with Arpu as low as ₹40 in some circles and at a maximum of ₹175 in others. Jio remains unlisted even as it has the largest subscriber base.