Last month, millions of prepaid mobile users were shocked when India’s two biggest telecom companies, Jio and Airtel, removed their popular Rs 249 recharge plans that offered 1GB daily data, unlimited calls, and SMS.
This plan was very affordable and widely used by common people for almost a month.
The news caused a lot of uproar and criticism on social media and other platforms.
In response, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has now stepped in and asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to investigate the issue.
TRAI has asked Jio and Airtel to explain why they removed this plan and what impact it will have on customers.
Telecom Companies’ Response and User Impact
First, Jio removed the plan from its website, followed by Airtel.
Jio’s plan had a validity of 28 days, while Airtel’s was for 24 days.
Both offered 1GB of daily data along with calling and SMS benefits.
Telecom companies say they removed these cheaper plans to encourage users to choose higher-priced plans, citing changes in customer usage patterns.
Jio also mentioned that the Rs 249 plan is still available but only if customers visit Jio stores physically.
According to reports:
Around 20-25% of Jio’s 50 crore wireless users used the 1GB daily data plan.
About 18-20% of Airtel’s customers had the same plan.
Vi (Vodafone Idea) has not discontinued its 1GB daily data plan yet, but about 20-25% of its customers use such plans.
Reports suggest that telecom companies are removing cheaper prepaid plans to cope with rising costs, especially due to the expansion of 5G networks.
However, TRAI is concerned because removing affordable plans could hurt people, especially in rural areas.
TRAI has asked companies detailed questions about which plans customers are now choosing and the reasons behind discontinuing the Rs 249 plan.
