Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom company, has introduced a major change to one of its most popular prepaid plans. The Rs 299 plan, widely chosen by millions of subscribers, has undergone a significant reduction in data benefits. Earlier, users enjoyed 1.5GB of daily data, but the plan now offers only 1GB per day. This adjustment reduces the total monthly data by 14GB, leaving several high-data users dissatisfied.

The company continues to offer unlimited calling, daily SMS, and additional app benefits. However, the lowered data allowance has sparked disappointment among customers who heavily rely on mobile internet for streaming, social media, and work-related tasks.

Previous Benefits of Airtel Rs 299 Prepaid Plan

The Rs 299 plan earlier provided a strong combination of data, calls, and messaging. Subscribers received 1.5GB of high-speed data daily, which equaled 42GB of total data over 28 days. This plan became popular among students, professionals, and entertainment users because it balanced affordability with adequate data.

With unlimited calling and 100 SMS per day, it offered a complete communication package. Access to Wynk Music and Airtel Xstream added further value. However, the new changes make the plan less appealing for heavy data users.

New Data Benefits After the Revision

Airtel has now restructured the Rs 299 plan. Under the revised benefits, users will get only 1GB of high-speed data per day. This means the total monthly data has reduced to 28GB. The remaining features, including unlimited voice calling across all networks and 100 SMS per day, remain unchanged. The validity of the plan continues to be 28 days, ensuring no adjustment in duration.

Although the company still offers access to its digital services, the major reduction in data usage is seen as a setback. Users who depended on extra data for video calls, OTT content, or online learning are most affected.

Comparison Between Old and New Data Benefits

Earlier, the calculation was simple: 1.5GB per day multiplied by 28 days gave 42GB of data. After the change, subscribers receive 1GB per day multiplied by 28 days, totaling only 28GB. Effectively, Airtel has cut 14GB of data from the plan.

This comparison highlights how much users stand to lose monthly. For someone streaming videos daily or attending online meetings, this reduction means running out of data more frequently and depending on add-on packs.

Why Did Airtel Reduce the Data Allowance?

Telecom experts suggest that rising data consumption across India has put pressure on network operators. As video streaming, gaming, and online education expand, networks are struggling to balance speed and capacity. Airtel, like its rival Jio, has started restructuring plans to reduce strain while maintaining profitability.

By reducing daily data benefits, the company indirectly pushes users toward higher-value plans or additional data recharges. This trend reflects an industry-wide shift where telecom operators prioritize sustainable revenue over low-cost, high-data packages.

Customer Reaction to the Change

Subscribers who relied on 1.5GB daily data are voicing disappointment across social media. Many users have expressed frustration, calling the plan less valuable after the revision. Students preparing for competitive exams, employees working remotely, and young entertainment seekers feel the impact most strongly.

The reduction has also led to comparisons with competing telecom providers. Many customers are considering whether Jio or Vodafone Idea offers better value at similar price points. The overall sentiment suggests dissatisfaction among those who use more than 1GB daily.

Airtel Discontinues Rs 249 Plan

Alongside changes to the Rs 299 plan, Airtel has discontinued its Rs 249 prepaid plan. Until recently, the Rs 249 option included 1.5GB daily data, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day with 28-day validity. This meant subscribers received 42GB total data per cycle.

However, the company silently removed this plan from its offerings. This move limits affordable high-data options for budget-conscious users. For many, the discontinuation marks another setback, reducing flexibility in selecting suitable recharge options.

Impact on Users Who Consume Heavy Data

The new Rs 299 plan still works for light internet users who primarily browse social media or use messaging apps. But heavy data consumers face challenges. Activities like streaming HD movies, attending online classes, or participating in long video calls demand more than 1GB daily.

These users may need to buy top-up packs or migrate to higher-priced plans. This increases their monthly spending, which goes against the earlier affordability associated with Airtel prepaid plans.

Airtel’s Strategy Behind Plan Revisions

Industry analysts believe Airtel is strategically aligning its prepaid and postpaid plans to increase average revenue per user (ARPU). The company has consistently aimed to improve ARPU, ensuring financial stability in the highly competitive telecom market.

By cutting data in affordable plans, Airtel nudges consumers toward mid-range and premium plans. At the same time, offering app-based entertainment ensures that users continue to see value despite reduced data.

Comparison with Competitor Plans

Jio, Vodafone Idea, and Airtel are all engaged in adjusting their prepaid structures. Jio continues to offer competitive daily data packs, but analysts predict similar revisions may arrive soon. Vodafone Idea also struggles with balancing user demand and network resources.

In this landscape, Airtel’s change signals a broader industry trend. Companies appear more inclined to increase tariffs or reduce benefits rather than expand unlimited usage.

Possible Alternatives for Airtel Customers

Customers dissatisfied with the Rs 299 plan have two main options. They can either purchase additional data add-ons each month or shift to a higher-priced Airtel plan that provides more daily data.

Airtel’s higher-tier prepaid plans offer 2GB or 3GB daily data, but at a steeper cost. Depending on usage, customers may need to evaluate whether paying more delivers enough value compared to using competing networks.

Digital App Benefits Still Included

Despite the data cut, Airtel continues to bundle digital app access with the plan. Subscribers can enjoy Wynk Music, Airtel Xstream, and rewards through the Airtel Thanks app. These features add entertainment and utility, making the plan more attractive despite reduced internet volume.

The company emphasizes that its ecosystem of apps remains a strong differentiator, providing music, video streaming, and exclusive offers. However, customers argue that these apps cannot replace the basic need for sufficient internet data.

Growing Data Consumption in India

India is witnessing explosive growth in mobile data usage. Affordable smartphones, cheap internet plans, and increased digital services have created one of the largest internet markets globally. The average Indian user consumes several gigabytes of data each month, driven largely by video streaming and social media.

Airtel’s adjustment to the Rs 299 plan reflects this reality. Companies cannot continue providing high data at low costs indefinitely. Network expansion requires heavy investment, and operators aim to balance affordability with sustainability.

What the Future Holds for Telecom Customers

The future of telecom plans in India may involve fewer low-cost, high-data options. Companies are expected to gradually increase tariffs or limit daily data allowances. This could create a shift toward Wi-Fi usage at home and offices, while mobile data remains controlled.

Users may also rely more on selective streaming and controlled internet use. For heavy users, the trend means preparing to pay more for data or exploring broadband connections for regular use.

Airtel’s decision to revise its Rs 299 prepaid plan marks a major change for customers. Cutting daily data from 1.5GB to 1GB reduces the monthly benefit by 14GB. While unlimited calls, SMS, and app access remain, the reduction has disappointed high-data users.

With the discontinuation of the Rs 249 plan, Airtel limits affordable options further. The move aligns with the company’s strategy to boost revenue and sustain its network. For users, the change means reconsidering recharge choices, managing data wisely, or shifting to higher-priced plans.

The telecom industry is clearly moving toward premiumization. Airtel’s plan changes highlight the growing pressure on operators to balance customer demand with long-term sustainability. As data consumption continues to rise, subscribers must adapt to a future where affordable data may no longer be as abundant as before.