Recharge Plan Price Hike: The coming times may be a bit difficult for crores of mobile users of the country. The middle class, which spends hundreds of rupees every month on internet and calling, is likely to get a shock once again. According to reports, telecom companies may significantly increase the prices of their 4G and 5G recharge plans in 2026.
How much can recharge prices increase in 2026?
According to a recent report by global investment firm Morgan Stanley, prices of mobile recharge plans in India may increase by 16 to 20 percent. While earlier it was believed that the increase would be gradual, now there are indications that this step may be taken sooner than expected and with greater impact. If this happens, then 2026 may prove to be an economically challenging year for mobile users.
Both prepaid and postpaid will be affected.
The impact of possible price increase will not be limited to just one category. According to the report, both prepaid and postpaid users may have to face expensive plans. Telecom companies are already gradually closing down cheap recharge options and benefits like OTT are being limited to expensive plans only.
If this increase is implemented, it will be the fourth major tariff increase in the last eight years. Earlier, mobile recharge prices have also increased in 2019, 2021 and 2024.
Airtel can benefit the most
Companies like Airtel can get the biggest benefit from expensive recharge plans. The report estimates that Airtel’s average earnings per user i.e. ARPU may increase rapidly in the coming years. Better data pricing, increase in the number of postpaid users and increasing demand for international roaming could be the major reasons behind this. It is being said that in the coming few years, Airtel’s ARPU may go much higher than the current level, which will further strengthen the financial position of the company.
Why can Jio and Airtel increase prices again?
Both Reliance Jio and Airtel have invested heavily in 5G networks over the years. Now that a large part of them has been completed and the cost pressure has reduced, the companies are considered to have the right opportunity to increase the prices. Consumers can be charged more in exchange for better network quality and faster internet speed.
What should users do?
There is a clear indication for mobile users that they will get better network in the coming time but they may also have to pay a price for it. In such a situation, it will become more important to understand the needs of your existing plan, avoid expensive plans with unnecessary benefits and take the decision of recharge at the right time.
There is every possibility that mobile recharge plans will become expensive in 2026. Telecom companies can increase prices to compensate for their costs and investments, which will have a direct impact on the common consumer. Now users may have to pay more for better network and faster internet.
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