Tweaks in data plans precursor to broader tariff hikes, may impact price-sensitive users: Analysts

NEW DELHI: The private telecom carriers’ recent tweaks in entry-level data plans is a precursor to a broad-based tariff hike in fiscal year 2026 (FY26), and the move is expected to weigh on price-sensitive mobile subscribers in tier-2 & beyond markets, according to analysts.

“This can be called a precursor to the broad line tariff hikes, and all the private telcos have openly stated the need for a tariff hike. ICRA also expects that in the current financial year, there will be a tariff hike, although the quantum can be slightly lower than what was there last time,” Ankit Jain, vice president & sector head (corporate ratings), ICRA, told ETTelecom.