Reliance Jio has quietly discontinued its popular ₹249 prepaid plan, marking a significant shift in its pricing strategy. Users seeking the cheapest Jio prepaid option must now opt for the ₹299 plan, which offers 1.5GB daily data for 28 days instead of the previous 1GB offering.
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Impact of Jio ₹249 Plan Removal
| Aspect | Before (₹249) | Now (₹299) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Data | 1GB/day | 1.5GB/day |
| Validity | 28 days | 28 days |
| Price Increase | Base price | ₹50 more (20% hike) |
| Voice Calls | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| SMS | 100/day | 100/day |
| Status | Discontinued | New minimum plan |
Why Jio Discontinued the ₹249 Plan
Reliance Jio has removed the ₹249 prepaid plan from its offerings in a silent manner, which is a move to boost the ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) of the company in the near future. This strategic decision reflects the telecom industry’s ongoing efforts to improve profitability amid rising operational costs.
The removal of the cheapest plan forces budget-conscious users to upgrade to higher-value plans, directly impacting Jio’s revenue metrics. This pricing restructuring aligns with industry trends where operators are gradually phasing out ultra-low-cost plans.
What ₹299 Plan Offers Instead
The best Jio prepaid recharge plans come at ₹299 for 28 days and 1.5GB data/day. While users pay ₹50 more, they receive 50% additional daily data (1.5GB vs 1GB), making it better value for data-heavy users.
The ₹299 plan includes unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS per day, and complimentary access to Jio apps like JioTV, JioCinema, and JioSaavn. For users who consistently consumed their 1GB daily limit, the upgrade provides better value despite the higher cost.
Alternative Options for Budget Users
For extremely budget-conscious users, Jio still offers validity-focused plans starting around ₹155 for basic calling and limited data. However, these plans lack the unlimited calling and daily data benefits that made the ₹249 plan popular.
Users requiring minimal data can explore Jio’s other offerings, though none match the previous ₹249 plan’s balance of affordability and features.
Market Impact and Competition
This pricing adjustment puts pressure on competitors like Airtel and Vi to potentially follow suit. The telecom industry’s move toward premium pricing reflects the need for sustainable business models after years of aggressive price competition.
For consumers, this represents the end of ultra-cheap unlimited plans, signaling a new phase in India’s telecom market where operators prioritize profitability over market share acquisition.
Check current Jio plans and telecom updates at Technosports.
FAQs
What’s Jio’s cheapest prepaid plan now?
The minimum prepaid plan now starts at ₹299 with 1.5GB/day for 28 days.
Is the ₹299 plan better value than the old ₹249 plan?
Yes, you get 50% more daily data (1.5GB vs 1GB) for just ₹50 extra.
