Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator, has reintroduced the Rs 399 prepaid plan, aiming to strike a balance between enhanced consumer choice and improved Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). The plan was part of Airtel’s portfolio before the July 2024 tariff hikes, but the benefits now are noticeably different from what users previously enjoyed.
Before the price revision, the Rs 399 plan offered 3GB of daily data. Now, it provides 2.5GB of data per day, a direct reflection of the impact of the tariff hike. Despite the reduction, the plan still delivers considerable value, especially for users seeking access to both 4G and 5G networks.
Airtel has strategically priced the plan to offer high-speed 5G data, which is included under the “unlimited 5G data” tag. However, this “unlimited” data access comes with a fair usage policy and is essentially available only if users consume their daily 2.5GB data quota using 5G networks. This encourages users to switch to 5G while helping Airtel optimize its network usage.
Here are the complete benefits of the Rs 399 Airtel prepaid plan:
- 2.5GB of daily data
- Unlimited voice calls
- 100 SMS/day
- Unlimited 5G data (FUP-bound)
- 28 days validity
- Disney+ Hotstar Mobile subscription for 28 days
The added Disney+ Hotstar Mobile subscription sweetens the deal for entertainment lovers, allowing them to stream sports, movies, and shows on-the-go for the duration of the plan.
Breaking down the cost, the plan comes to approximately Rs 14.25 per day, placing it in a zone where consumers are almost paying a postpaid-like amount for a prepaid service. While it is expensive compared to older plans, it still offers good value when factoring in 5G access and bundled OTT benefits.
Airtel’s move to bring back the Rs 399 plan clearly aims to boost ARPU while ensuring customers feel they are getting a value-packed deal. For heavy data users who also consume entertainment content on their phones, this plan may be worth the extra spend.
However, for users prioritizing affordability over entertainment and 5G perks, the plan’s revised pricing may feel steep.
