- Jio silently removed Rs 149 and Rs 179 plans.
- New minimum recharge plan is Rs 189 with 28 days validity.
- Incoming calls and OTPs remain free without active recharge.
Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator, has made significant changes to its prepaid plans, leaving many customers in a state of surprise. In a sudden and silent move, Jio has removed the ₹149 and ₹179 plans (1GB Per Day), which were popular among users for their affordability. This change follows a recent tariff hike where these plans were still available but with reduced validity, making them more expensive. Now, the complete removal of these plans means that keeping a Jio SIM active for outgoing calls has become more costly. On the brighter side, Jio allows incoming calls and OTPs without an active service validity plan, unlike other telecom operators.
However, if you need to make outgoing calls, you’ll have to pay more. This shift in Jio’s pricing strategy is part of a broader trend in the telecom industry where operators are adjusting their tariffs to maintain profitability while rolling out 5G services. let’s jump deeper into what these changes mean for you and how you can navigate them.
Jio’s New Minimum Validity Recharge Plan
Reliance Jio’s new minimum validity recharge plan is now set at Rs 189, only Rs 10 cheaper than Airtel’s Rs 199 plan. This plan offers 2GB of mobile data, unlimited calling, 300 SMS, and a subscription to Jio apps.
The service validity for this plan is 28 days, making it a significant change from the earlier Rs 149 and Rs 179 plans. Notably, this plan used to cost Rs 155, marking a 22% price hike.
For Jio users, this means a higher cost to keep their SIM active for outgoing calls and other services. However, Jio’s strategy to allow incoming calls and OTPs without an active plan provides some relief. This feature ensures that even without recharging, users can still receive essential communications, a significant advantage over other telecom operators.
Understanding the Impact of Plan Removal
The removal of the Rs 149 and Rs 179 plans impacts budget-conscious users the most. These plans were popular for their balance of cost and benefits, offering a feasible way to stay connected without a high expense. With their removal, users now have to opt for the Rs 189 plan, which, while providing more data and benefits, comes at a higher cost.
This change reflects a broader shift in the telecom industry, where companies are increasing tariffs to fund the expansion of their 5G networks. For Jio, this move is likely part of their strategy to boost revenue and invest in future technologies. While this may be necessary for the company’s growth, it does place an additional financial burden on users who relied on the more affordable plans.
Jio Prepaid Plan ₹189
- Pack validity: 28 days
- Total data: 2 GB
- Data at high speed*: 2 GB
- Voice: Unlimited
- SMS: 300
Subscriptions
- Subscription: JioTV
- Subscription: JioCinema
- *JioCinema premium is not included in complementary JioCinema subscription
- Subscription: JioCloud
- *Post which unlimited @ 64 Kbps
Jio’s Revised 5G Offer
Alongside the tariff hikes, Jio has also revised its 5G offerings. Customers can now access 5G services if they recharge with a 2GB daily data plan or higher. Those on 1.5GB daily data plans can still enjoy 5G through additional data booster plans, which Jio has recently introduced. These boosters allow users to enhance their data capacity, ensuring they can take full advantage of Jio’s expanding 5G network.
The introduction of these boosters and the revision of the 5G offerings align with Jio’s broader strategy to lead in the 5G space. By encouraging users to opt for higher data plans, Jio ensures a steady revenue stream while providing users with access to next-generation connectivity. This dual approach of enhancing services and increasing tariffs is a common strategy among telecom operators as they navigate the financial demands of 5G rollouts.
Conclusion
Reliance Jio’s decision to remove the Rs 149 and Rs 179 plans signifies a shift in its pricing strategy, impacting users who relied on these affordable options. The new Rs 189 plan, although more expensive, offers substantial benefits, including data, unlimited calling, SMS, and app subscriptions. Additionally, Jio’s flexible policy on incoming calls and OTPs without active recharges provides a notable advantage. As Jio continues to expand its 5G network and revise its offerings, users will need to adapt to these changes and consider the new plans that best suit their needs.
FAQ
What are the new minimum recharge plans for Jio?
The new minimum recharge plan is Rs 189, offering 2GB data, unlimited calling, 300 SMS, and Jio apps subscription for 28 days.
How can I access Jio’s 5G services?
To access Jio’s 5G services, you need to recharge with a 2GB daily data plan or higher, or use additional 5G data booster plans if you are on a 1.5GB daily data plan.
