The cheapest data plans offered by Jio and Airtel have been discontinued. The lowest calling and data pack, which was priced at ₹249. Customers would now have to pay between ₹279 and ₹299 for a basic plan with a 28-day validity.
The pressure on customers has increased as a result of Jio and Airtel shocking its users once more by dropping their cheapest data and telephony plans. Jio recently discontinued its ₹249 recharge package, which provided unlimited calls for 28 days and 1GB of data each day. Soon after, Airtel did the same, dropping its 24-day validity ₹249 package that includes 100 SMS per day, unlimited calls, and 1GB of internet everyday.
Jio and Airtel Customers Will Pay More for New Base Plans
The cost of a 28-day base pack recharge for Jio and Airtel customers has increased. Customers will have to pay an additional ₹50 for the base pack since the previous ₹249 pack is no longer available. The cheapest package is now ₹299, according to Jio and Airtel’s official websites.
Jio and Airtel’s New Base Pack Prices
Jio Base Pack (Jio recharge plan): The current price of Jio’s 28-day base pack is ₹299. The plan provides 100 SMS and 1.5GB of data daily, for a total of 42GB of data over 28 days.
Airtel Base Pack(airtel recharge plan): With 1GB of 5G data per day and unlimited calling, Airtel’s most economical 28-day package is now available for ₹279. Members also have free access to Jio Hotstar, Zee5, and Netflix.
Additionally, Airtel provides a ₹299 package that includes unlimited calling for 28 days and 1.5GB of internet each day.
Jio & Airtel Data Plans Discontinuation – FAQ
1. Why have Jio and Airtel discontinued their ₹249 data packs?
Both telecom companies decided to discontinue their cheapest plans to adjust pricing and offer slightly higher-value base packs.
2. What was included in the old ₹249 Jio plan?
The ₹249 Jio pack offered 28 days of unlimited calling and 1GB of data per day.
3. What was included in the old ₹249 Airtel plan?
The ₹249 Airtel plan had 24 days of validity, with 1GB daily data, unlimited calls, and 100 SMS per day.
4. How much more will customers pay now for a base plan?
Customers will have to pay an additional ₹50, as the previous ₹249 plan is no longer available.
5. What is the new cheapest Jio base pack?
The new Jio 28-day base pack costs ₹299. It includes 1.5GB data per day and 100 SMS per day, totaling 42GB of data over 28 days.
6. What is the new cheapest Airtel base pack?
Airtel’s 28-day base pack now costs ₹279, offering 1GB of 5G data per day, unlimited calling, and free access to Jio Hotstar, Zee5, and Netflix.
7. Is there a higher Airtel plan available?
Yes. Airtel also provides a ₹299 plan with 1.5GB daily data and unlimited calls for 28 days.
8. Do these new plans include SMS benefits?
Jio ₹299 pack: 100 SMS per day
Airtel ₹279 and ₹299 packs: SMS benefits are included as per Airtel’s updated plan details
9. How long is the validity of the new base packs?
All the new base packs come with 28 days of validity.
10. Are the new plans applicable for both prepaid and postpaid users?
These updates mainly affect prepaid users. Postpaid plans may have separate pricing.
11. How does this affect customers financially?
Users will now spend more for similar data and calling benefits compared to the previous ₹249 packs.
12. Where can customers check and recharge these new plans?
The new packs are available on Jio and Airtel official websites, mobile apps, and authorized recharge outlets.
13. Do these packs support 5G?
Jio ₹299 pack: Offers standard 4G/5G connectivity based on network availability
Airtel ₹279 pack: Includes 1GB 5G data per day
14. Are there any additional subscriptions included with the packs?
Yes. The Airtel ₹279 pack provides free access to Netflix, Jio Hotstar, and Zee5.
15. Why did Airtel discontinue the ₹249 plan earlier than its validity period?
This was done to align with Jio’s pricing changes and to encourage users to switch to slightly higher-value packs.
16. Can users still recharge with the old ₹249 plans?
No. Both Jio and Airtel have removed the ₹249 packs permanently.
17. How can customers choose the best plan now?
Users should compare data limits, calling benefits, SMS, and additional OTT subscriptions before selecting the ₹279 or ₹299 packs.
18. Are these changes applicable across India?
Yes. The discontinuation and new pricing are implemented nationwide.
19. Will there be any discounts or offers for these new packs?
Occasional bank offers or recharge promotions may be available, depending on the platform and season.
20. Where can users find official updates on these plans?
Updates can be checked on Jio’s and Airtel’s official websites, apps, and customer service channels.
21. Can customers still use old ₹249 packs if already recharged?
Yes. Any existing ₹249 pack will continue until its validity expires, but new recharges are no longer available.
22. Is the new Jio ₹299 pack suitable for heavy data users?
Yes. With 1.5GB daily data, it provides a total of 42GB over 28 days, suitable for moderate to heavy browsing, social media, and streaming.
23. How does Airtel’s ₹279 plan compare to Jio’s ₹299 plan?
Airtel ₹279: 1GB 5G data/day + unlimited calls + OTT access
Jio ₹299: 1.5GB data/day + unlimited calls + 100 SMS/day
Users may choose based on data vs OTT benefits.
24. Can these packs be recharged online?
Yes. Recharge is available via Jio and Airtel apps, websites, third-party payment apps, and offline recharge outlets.
25. Are these base packs valid on all devices?
Yes. These packs work on smartphones, feature phones, and 5G-compatible devices (where applicable).
26. Does Airtel’s ₹279 pack include 5G data?
Yes. It provides 1GB of 5G data per day, subject to network availability in the area.
27. Will customers get unlimited calling on Jio’s ₹299 pack?
Yes. The Jio ₹299 plan includes unlimited voice calling.
28. How many SMS are included in the Airtel ₹279 pack?
Airtel’s ₹279 pack primarily focuses on calls and data, but SMS benefits may vary; check the official Airtel website for region-specific details.
29. Are there any regional restrictions for these packs?
No. These packs are nationwide, but 5G speeds depend on local network coverage.
30. Can I combine OTT subscriptions with other plans?
No. The free OTT subscriptions are exclusive to the Airtel ₹279 pack. Additional subscriptions may require separate payment.
31. Are there any hidden charges with these new plans?
No. The pricing is transparent, covering daily data, SMS, and calling benefits as mentioned.
32. How does the ₹299 Airtel plan differ from the ₹279 plan?
The ₹299 plan provides 1.5GB daily data and unlimited calls, but does not include OTT subscriptions, unlike the ₹279 plan.
33. Can these new packs be used for hotspot or tethering?
Yes. Both Jio and Airtel allow hotspot usage, but excessive tethering may be restricted under fair usage policies.
34. How has the price hike affected affordability?
With the cheapest packs now starting at ₹279–₹299, customers will pay ₹30–₹50 more, increasing monthly expenses for basic calling and data usage.
35. Are family or group recharge options available?
Currently, base plans are individual, but Jio and Airtel offer family or group packs separately.
36. Can these packs be used for international roaming?
No. These packs are for domestic usage only. International roaming requires separate recharge plans.
37. Will there be any cashback or promotional offers?
Occasionally, bank offers, UPI cashback, or app-specific discounts may apply.
38. Can I switch between Jio and Airtel now for cheaper options?
Yes. Users can port their numbers via MNP (Mobile Number Portability), but the ₹249 packs are no longer available on either network.
39. Are these packs compatible with prepaid and postpaid plans?
These updates primarily affect prepaid users; postpaid plans have separate pricing and benefits.
40. Do these packs support VoLTE calls?
Yes. Both Jio and Airtel support VoLTE calling, ensuring high-quality voice calls.
41. Is there a limit on daily usage of calls?
No. Unlimited calling is included, but fair usage policies may apply.
42. Can I recharge multiple packs at once for longer validity?
Yes. Users can stack multiple 28-day packs to extend validity, depending on provider rules.
43. How do these plans compare with competitors?
Other telecom providers may offer similar 28-day packs, but Jio and Airtel’s base packs are widely used for reliability and network coverage.
44. Can I check remaining data and validity online?
Yes. Both Jio and Airtel apps and websites allow users to track data usage, validity, and SMS balance.
45. What happens if I exhaust my daily data limit?
Once the daily limit is reached, data speed may be reduced as per the plan’s fair usage policy.
46. Are these packs eligible for auto-recharge?
Yes. Users can enable auto-recharge via official apps or third-party payment apps.
47. Can I gift these packs to someone else?
Yes. Recharge vouchers and online recharge options allow gifting to other numbers.
48. How frequently do Jio and Airtel revise their plans?
Plan revisions occur periodically, often to adjust pricing or offer new benefits.
49. Can I upgrade from ₹279 to ₹299 plan anytime?
Yes. Users can upgrade their base pack anytime by recharging the higher-value pack.
50. Where can I find official details about these new plans?
Check Jio and Airtel official websites, mobile apps, or customer support channels for the latest pricing and benefits.
