Reliance Jio Ends Cheapest Plans: New Base Plan Offers 1.5GB Data Daily at a Higher Price

Jio Discontinues entry-Level Prepaid Plans, Signaling Potential Industry-Wide Tariff Adjustments

Published: August 20, 2025 | Updated: August 20, 2025

Reliance Jio has removed its most affordable prepaid plans from its online offerings, a move industry analysts suggest coudl foreshadow broader price increases across the Indian telecom sector. This shift affects subscribers seeking budget-pleasant data options.

Jio Eliminates ₹209 and ₹249 Plans

Reliance jio has quietly stopped offering its ₹209 plan, providing 1GB of daily data for 22 days, and the ₹249 plan, offering the same data allowance for 28 days. Customers looking to recharge online will now find the ₹299 plan as the entry-level option. While these plans may still be available through physical retail locations for a limited time, the online shift marks a significant change in Jio’s pricing strategy.

Industry Baseline Shifts to ₹299

The removal of these plans aligns Jio’s online offerings with competitors Airtel and Vodafone Idea,both of which have a ₹299 plan as their starting point for prepaid services. Though, Jio’s ₹299 plan offers 1.5GB of daily data, providing a slightly more competitive value proposition compared to the 1GB offered by Airtel and Vodafone Idea at the same price point.

Operator	Entry-Level plan Price	Data Allowance (Daily)	Validity
Reliance jio	₹299	1.5GB	28 Days
Airtel	₹299	1GB	28 Days
Vodafone Idea	₹299	1GB	28 Days

Upcoming Tariff Hikes Anticipated

Industry experts believe this change is a precursor to a new round of tariff hikes.Ankit Jain of ICRA predicts that upcoming increases, expected between October 2025 and January 2026, will be more moderate than last year’s, possibly capped at 15-20% compared to the 19-21% increase seen in 2024.

“A further tariff adjustment is unavoidable. We anticipate it will be less substantial than the previous year’s, remaining below 15-20%. Telecom operators may also adopt a more frequent approach to tariff adjustments moving forward,” Jain stated.

These adjustments could raise the industry’s Average Revenue per User (ARPU) from approximately ₹200 in FY25 to around ₹220 in FY26.

5G Investment Driving Price Revisions

The need to fund ongoing 5G network expansion and spectrum investments is a major driver behind these price revisions. Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea are all facing pressure to improve cash flow to support these capital-intensive projects. Jio has previously indicated that tariff corrections are necesary to ensure the sustainability of network growth.

While the last major tariff hike in 2024 resulted in some customer migration to BSNL,analysts suggest private telecom operators are unlikely to alter plan validity this time,focusing instead on raising headline prices.

Understanding Mobile Tariff Trends in India

India’s telecom market, the world’s second-largest, has experienced significant price wars over the past decade.The entry of Reliance Jio in 2016 dramatically disrupted the market, leading to a steep decline in data prices. Though, with the rollout of 5G technology and the increasing need for network investments, operators are seeking to restore profitability.

Did You Know? India has the lowest data tariffs globally,making it one of the most affordable mobile markets,but also putting pressure on operator revenues.

Pro Tip: Regularly compare plans from different providers to ensure you’re getting the best value for your data needs.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) plays a crucial role in regulating the sector and ensuring fair competition. Learn more about TRAI’s initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the new base price for Jio prepaid plans? The new base price for Jio prepaid plans online is ₹299.
2. Will Airtel and Vodafone Idea also increase their tariffs? industry analysts predict that Airtel and Vodafone Idea are likely to increase their tariffs in the coming months.
3. Why are telecom companies raising their prices? Telecom companies are raising prices to fund investments in 5G technology and network infrastructure.
4. How will this affect my monthly mobile bill? Your monthly bill could increase depending on your current plan and the extent of the tariff hikes.
5. Is there anything I can do to lower my mobile bill? Compare plans from different providers and choose the one that best suits your data needs.

What are your thoughts on these potential tariff hikes? Do you think the increased prices are justified given the investments in 5G technology? Share your opinion in the comments below!

What factors led Reliance Jio to discontinue its cheapest mobile plans?

Reliance Jio, India’s leading telecom operator, has officially discontinued its most affordable mobile plans, signaling a shift in its pricing strategy. This change impacts millions of Jio users seeking budget-pleasant data options.Teh move comes amidst rising operational costs and a competitive landscape within the Indian telecom sector. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the changes and what it means for you.

what’s Changed with Jio Plans?

Previously, Jio offered plans starting as low as ₹79, providing limited data and calling benefits. These plans were particularly popular among users with low data consumption and those seeking a secondary connection. However, these entry-level plans have now been removed from Jio’s offerings.

The new base plan now starts at a higher price point, offering more data but representing an increase in monthly expenditure for many users.

The New Jio Base Plan: Details & Benefits

The current base plan offered by Reliance Jio is priced at ₹149. Here’s what you get:

Data: 1.5GB daily data allowance.

validity: 28 days.

Calling: Unlimited voice calls to all networks.

SMS: 300 SMS messages for 28 days.

Jio Apps: Access to JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud, and othre jio apps.

This represents a significant jump from the previously available ₹79 plan, which offered a smaller data allowance and limited benefits. Users now receive more data, but at a cost. This shift aligns with industry trends where telecom operators are focusing on Average Revenue Per User (ARPU).

Impact on Jio Users: Who is Affected?

The discontinuation of cheaper plans primarily affects:

Low Data Users: Individuals who primarily use their mobile data for basic messaging and occasional browsing.

Students: Students relying on affordable data for online classes and research.

Secondary SIM Users: Those using a Jio SIM as a secondary connection for specific purposes.

Price-Sensitive Consumers: Users who prioritize affordability above all else.

These users will now need to opt for the ₹149 plan or explore alternatives from other telecom providers.

Comparing Jio’s New Plans with Competitors (August 2025)

Let’s see how Jio’s new base plan stacks up against its competitors, as of August 19, 2025:

| Telecom Operator | Base Plan Price | Daily Data | Validity |

|—|—|—|—|

| Reliance Jio | ₹149 | 1.5GB | 28 days |

| Airtel | ₹155 | 2GB | 28 days |

| Vodafone Idea (Vi) | ₹149 | 1GB | 28 days |

as you can see, Airtel offers a slightly more competitive base plan in terms of data allowance, while Vi offers the same price but less data. The competitive landscape remains dynamic, and prices are subject to change.Regularly checking competitor offerings is crucial for finding the best deal.

Why is Jio Increasing prices?

Several factors contribute to Jio’s decision to discontinue its cheapest plans and increase pricing:

Rising Operational Costs: The cost of maintaining network infrastructure, spectrum acquisition, and 5G rollout are ample.

ARPU Improvement: Jio aims to increase its Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) to improve profitability.

5G Investment: Significant investments are being made in 5G technology, requiring a stronger revenue base.

Industry Trend: other telecom operators have also been increasing their plan prices in recent months.

Network capacity: Increased data consumption necessitates continuous network upgrades and expansion.

Alternatives to the New Jio Plan: Exploring other Options

If the ₹149 plan doesn’t fit your budget or data needs, consider these alternatives:

1. Airtel Plans: Explore Airtel’s range of plans, starting from ₹155, which offers 2GB of daily data.
2. Vodafone Idea (Vi) Plans: Vi offers plans starting at ₹149 with 1GB daily data.
3. Jio’s Longer Validity Plans: Consider Jio’s annual plans, which offer better value in the long run, despite the higher upfront cost.These plans often include additional benefits.
4. Data Booster Packs: If you occasionally need extra data, Jio offers data booster packs that can be added to your existing plan.
5. Wi-Fi Usage: Maximize your use of Wi-Fi networks at home, work, or public hotspots to reduce mobile data consumption.

Jio’s 5G Rollout and its Impact on Pricing

Jio’s aggressive 5G rollout across India is a key driver behind the pricing