New Delhi, Delhi
Mobile phone users may face higher expenses in the coming months. According to a research report, mobile recharge plan prices could increase by 12–15% over the next four to five months.
According to a report by Centrum Institutional Research, the declining number of major players in the telecom industry has created a more favorable pricing environment for telecom companies. This could lead to higher mobile tariffs in the coming months.
The report estimates that during the second quarter of the current financial year, from July to September 2026, the average revenue per customer (ARPU) of Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea Limited could increase by 0.8% to 2%.
Several factors have been cited behind this expected growth. These include customers upgrading from 2G to 4G and 5G services, an increase in the number of postpaid subscribers and the higher number of days in the quarter.
According to the report, Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea continued to gain market share during this period. Reliance Jio could add around 8 million new subscribers, while Bharti Airtel is estimated to gain around 3 million and Vodafone Idea around 1 million subscribers.
5G Services Also Expanding Rapidly
The report also highlighted the expansion of 5G services by telecom companies. Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have already covered more than 95% of districts with their 5G services.
Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea’s 5G network is currently available in around 200 cities. The company is continuing to expand its 5G coverage.
If the research report’s estimate proves accurate, mobile users may have to pay more for their recharge plans over the next four to five months. A potential 12–15% increase could directly affect the monthly expenses of consumers using mobile telecom services.
