As telcos chase higher margins, lower end users could get hit

Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea increased mobile tariffs by 11-20 per cent on Friday following Jio’s announcement. While Airtel’s new tariffs will come into effect from July 3, Vi will implement the hike a day later on July 4. Both the operators’ lowest tariff plan increased by 11 per cent, from ₹179 to ₹199 per month.

This rise is lower than Reliance Jio’s increase, as Jio’s initial prices were much lower than Airtel’s. Now, both operators’ entry-level prices are similarly priced.