Data plan tweaks signal tariff hikes: Analysts

Recent tweaks in entry-level data plans by private telcos, analysts said, should be seen as the precursor to a broad-based tariff increase that is likely to weigh on price-sensitive mobile subscribers in tier-2 and beyond markets.

“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 ET.