Summary:
Bharti Airtel is discontinuing its Rs 249 prepaid plan, offering 1 GB/day data, unlimited calls and bundle benefits for 24 days. From August 20, 2025, the plan will no longer be available. The step follows Reliance Jio withdrew its low-cost plan of Rs 209 and 249 plan.
India’s second largest telecom operator, Bharti Airtel, has announced that its Rs 249 prepaid recharge will be discontinued from 20 August 2025. Now the cheapest 1 GB/day option from Airtel users will be Rs 299 pack. This change effectively increases costs for low-income users who were dependent on the ₹249 plan.
🚨 Airtel is removing it's most affordable Rs 249 plan from tonight. pic.twitter.com/LrOxthu3Le
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) August 19, 2025
Airtel’s New Base Plan – ₹299
After the ₹249 plan exit, the new base-level recharge for Airtel users will be the ₹299 plan, which includes:
- 1 GB per day data
- Unlimited voice calls
- 100 sms per day
- 28 days validity
However, validity increases by four days as compared to ₹249 plan, the cost increases to ₹50, which adds to monthly users.
Other Alternatives for Airtel Users
For users who are unwilling to spend ₹299, Airtel still provides ₹219 recharge, which provides:
- Total 3 GB of data (not daily data)
- 28 days validity
- Unlimited calling + 100 sms per day
This pack can suit users who require voice calling, but do not consume large amounts of mobile data.
Analysts expect that the trend will continue with a wide tariff growth cycle between October 2025 and January 2026, although the percentage will be smaller than the hike seen in 2024.
