If you’ve recently checked your Airtel app and noticed your go-to budget data packs have vanished, you’re not alone. In a move that’s been buzzing across the industry, Bharti Airtel has officially retired its popular ₹121 and ₹181 prepaid plans.
While it might look like a simple update, it’s actually a sign of a much bigger trend in the Indian telecom world. This shift is a core part of the Airtel tariff strategy, focusing on subtle changes rather than sudden, loud announcements.
The Strategy Behind the “Silent Hike”
Instead of announcing a massive price increase across the board, which usually causes a lot of frustration, the company is taking a quieter route. This approach helps manage the expected Airtel price hike 2026 sentiment by gradually moving users up the value chain.
By removing the lowest “rungs” of their pricing ladder, they are making it necessary for users to pick the next step up, ensuring the mobile recharge price reflects the premium service provided.
Goodbye to Budget Basics?
They’ve decided to retire two of their most popular budget-friendly packs, now officially joining the list of discontinued Airtel plans.
The ₹121 (offering 6GB) and ₹181 (offering 15GB) data packs were go-to choices for quick top-ups. Their removal isn’t just about clearing space; it’s a clever way to nudge customers toward better, but slightly more expensive, options.
What This Means for You
The real driver behind these changes is to fuel Bharti Airtel’s ARPU growth (Average Revenue Per User). Airtel is betting that the way we view our mobile bills is changing. It is no longer just a “race to the bottom” for the lowest price; the focus has shifted to the actual value we get in return.
With Sunil Mittal recently flagging ₹300 as a target ARPU for the industry, the message is clear. Airtel is betting that users are willing to pay a little more for faster 5G speeds and a more reliable digital experience. Whether we like the “silent hike” or not, the future of Indian telecom is about leveling up the experience and the price tag.
