Telecom giant Bharti Airtel has increased the data offerings on its Rs 98 Data pack while keeping the Rs 48 Data pack surprisingly untouched. The Rs 98 Prepaid plan now offers 12 GB of high speed for Airtel customers. Airtel has also simultaneously upgraded the offerings on its Talktime vouchers priced above Rs 100 while keeping those beneath Rs 100 untouched. Rs 1000, Rs 500, and Rs 5000 Talktime vouchers now offer upgraded Talktime.
Airtel’s Rs 98 prepaid plan earlier used to offer 6 GB of high-speed data with a validity of 28 days. However, now with a 100% increase in data benefits the same plan is offering 12 GB of high-speed data with a validity of 28 days. The data pack doesn’t offer any SMS or calling benefits. Airtel surprisingly hasn’t upgraded the Rs 48 Data plan which continues to offer 3 GB of high-speed data.
To recall, Jio’s Rs 101 4G Data Vouchers offers 12 GB of high-speed data along with 1000 minutes of off-net calling. However, the voucher doesn’t have a standalone validity with its validity co-terminus with the existing base plan validity. Airtel’s upgraded Rs 98 Data plan is now cheaper than Jio’s 4G Data Voucher.
Airtel has also upgraded its Rs 500, Rs 1000, and Rs 5000 Talktime vouchers to offer more talk time. Interestingly, Airtel is now offering more talk time than any other telecom service provider on its talk time voucher that costs over Rs 500.
Airtel’s Rs 500 talk time voucher which earlier provided Rs 423.73 talk time is now providing Rs 480 talk time. Airtel’s Rs 1000 talk time voucher which earlier provided Rs 847.46 talk time is now providing Rs 960 talk time. Airtel’s Rs 5000 Talktime voucher that earlier provided Rs 4237.29 talk time is now providing Rs 4800 talk time.
| Prepaid Plan | Earlier Benefits | New Benefits |
| Rs 98 Data Pack | 6 GB high speed Data | 12 GB high speed Data |
| Rs 500 Talktime Voucher | Rs 423.73 TalkTime | Rs 480 TalkTime |
| Rs 1000 Talktime Voucher | Rs 847.46 TalkTime | Rs 960 TalkTime |
| Rs 5000 Talktime Voucher | Rs 4237.29 TalkTime | Rs 4800 TalkTime |
It remains to be seen whether Airtel upgrades its Rs 48 data plan or not. As of now, fewer customers would opt for the Rs 48 data plan as one can get another 9 GB high-speed data at just Rs 40 whereas you only get 3 GB high-speed data at Rs 48. Incase, Airtel doesn’t upgrade its Rs 48 prepaid plan the same could be a move to push its customer towards the Rs 98 prepaid plan to increase its ARPU.
The increase in talk time of Rs 500 and above Talktime vouchers while keeping those beneath Rs 100 untouched further shows signs that Airtel is keen to push its subscribers onto higher denomination plans. All four plans that have gone up-gradation now more or less offer benefits than similar plans provided by Jio. It is almost as if Airtel is readying itself to play on the front foot against Jio.
