TRAI decides not to take action against Airtel, Jio for abruptly ending tariff plans

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has decided not to intervene in the recent tariff adjustments made by telecom giants Airtel and Reliance Jio. Both the operators recently pulled out their popular ₹249, 1GB daily data plans that sparked concerns among consumers.

While Reliance Jio informed TRAI that its ₹249 plan was removed from its listings, though it is reportedly still available in select stores, Airtel confirmed that its ₹249 plan has been fully discontinued.

Interestingly, Jio’s ₹209 plan continues to be available under its “Value” category, providing an option for users seeking budget-friendly packs.

Having found no irregularities in the operators’ actions following inquiries, TRAI emphasized that telecom companies are free to design their own tariff structures, provided these are reported to the telecom regulator before launch.

Since both Airtel and Jio complied with guidelines, TRAI concluded there was no need for intervention or corrective action.

Then withdrawal of the entry-level daily data packs has left many consumers concerned and disappointed, particularly those who relied on the recharge plan as a cost-effective option. With fewer low-cost daily data plans, users may need to spend more or shift to alternative packs, indirectly boosting Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) for telcos—a key business objective for operators.

The move aligns with the telecom industry’s ongoing efforts to improve profitability in a highly competitive market. Airtel and Jio, which dominate India’s telecom sector, continue to balance customer affordability with financial sustainability.