Amidst the recent price hikes in India’s telecom sector, Vodafone Idea (Vi) stands out as the private telecom operator providing the most affordable prepaid plan to consumers. With telecom companies striving to increase their Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), Vi has emerged as the go-to choice for individuals seeking an economical option to keep their SIM cards active and stay connected to a private telco’s 4G network.
Changing Landscape of Telecom Pricing
In the past, telecom providers in India offered budget-friendly prepaid plans, allowing customers to maintain active SIM cards, even if they didn’t require extensive network services. However, the scenario has significantly evolved since then.
Airtel and Jio Price Increases
Airtel, for instance, has raised the price of its base prepaid plan from Rs 99 to Rs 155. Initially introduced in select regions, this price adjustment was later implemented across the country. Even Reliance Jio, previously perceived as a budget-friendly option, has increased the minimum recharge plan to Rs 149. While these changes may not constitute comprehensive tariff hikes, they do impact users who frequently recharge with the providers’ basic prepaid plans.
Vi’s Competitive Offering
Currently, Vi remains the only private telecom operator in India offering a prepaid plan priced below Rs 100 for customers looking to maintain an active connection. However, there’s a crucial caveat to consider.
The Catch with Vi’s Rs 99 Plan
Vi’s Rs 99 plan comes with varying validity periods based on the telecom circle you are in. Users may receive either a 15-day or 28-day validity with this plan. In some regions, rather than increasing the price, Vi has opted to reduce the plan’s validity. This strategy seems to be an experimental move by the telco. Vi is currently facing challenges in retaining customers and expanding its active subscriber base, primarily due to the absence of 5G services. The company’s active subscriber count is expected to dip below 200 million in the upcoming quarter.
