In a move that mirrors Jio’s recent strategy, Bharti Airtel has officially discontinued its popular Rs 249 prepaid plan after midnight on August 19, 2025. This decision marks a significant shift in India’s telecom landscape, pushing millions of budget-conscious users toward higher-priced alternatives.
Table of Contents
What Airtel Users Are Losing: Rs 249 Plan Breakdown
| Plan Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Rs 249 |
| Validity | 24-28 days |
| Daily Data | 1GB per day |
| Total Data | 24-28GB |
| Voice Calls | Unlimited |
| SMS | 100 per day |
| Status | Discontinued (Aug 19, 2025) |
| Cheapest Alternative | Rs 299 plan |
Following Jio’s Footsteps
Jio scrapped its Rs 249 plan on August 18, which offered 1GB of data per day for 28 days, making it the most basic and affordable choice for subscribers. Now, Airtel is set to discontinue its similar Rs 249 prepaid plan from midnight, creating a duopoly strategy that effectively eliminates budget options.
This synchronized move between India’s top two telecom operators suggests a coordinated effort to boost Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) across the industry.
Impact on Budget-Conscious Users
The discontinuation leaves millions of users scrambling for alternatives. The Rs 249 plan provided 1GB of data per day for 24 days, making it ideal for students, small business owners, and budget-conscious families who relied on affordable connectivity.
With the cheapest option now being the Rs 299 plan offering 1.5GB daily data, users face a 20% price increase for similar services.
Market Strategy Behind the Move
This move is designed to boost the ARPU of telecom companies in the near future. Both Jio and Airtel are focusing on premium subscribers while gradually phasing out entry-level plans that generate lower revenues.
Industry experts anticipate a 15% tariff hike on smartphone plans by December 2025, indicating this is just the beginning of a broader pricing restructure across the telecom sector.
For comprehensive analysis of telecom industry trends and their impact on consumers, visit TechnoSports Technology for expert insights and market updates.
Alternative Options for Users
While the Rs 249 plan is no longer available through official channels, users can explore:
- Rs 299 Plan: 1.5GB daily data with 28-day validity
- Rs 399 Plan: 2GB daily data for extended usage
- Annual Plans: Better value for long-term users
- BSNL Options: Government operator with competitive pricing
What This Means for Competition
The synchronized removal of budget plans by both major operators raises questions about market competition. Airtel removed the Rs 249 plan tonight, following Jio’s strategy, suggesting coordinated market behavior that could attract regulatory attention.
This move particularly benefits Vi (Vodafone Idea) and BSNL, who may capture price-sensitive customers seeking affordable alternatives.
Stay updated on telecom policy changes and their consumer impact through TechnoSports for comprehensive coverage of India’s evolving digital landscape.
The Bigger Picture: Digital India at a Crossroads
This development challenges the Digital India initiative’s goal of affordable internet access for all. As entry-level plans disappear, the digital divide may widen, affecting rural and low-income urban users most significantly.
For official telecom regulations and consumer rights information, refer to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) website for comprehensive policy updates and grievance procedures.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
Industry reports suggest telecom rates could increase by 15% by late 2025, making this just the first wave of price restructuring. Users should prepare for higher mobile bills as the industry consolidates around premium offerings.
Stay informed about telecom industry changes and consumer-focused tech news by following TechnoSports for timely updates and expert analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still get the Rs 249 plan from retail stores?
A: While some reports suggest limited availability through offline channels, Airtel has officially removed the plan from all digital platforms. Availability at retail stores is temporary and likely to end soon as inventory depletes.
Q: What’s the cheapest Airtel plan available now?
A: Following the discontinuation, the most affordable Airtel prepaid plan is now Rs 299, offering 1.5GB daily data for 28 days with unlimited voice calls and 100 SMS per day – representing a 20% price increase over the discontinued Rs 249 option.
