Indian Telecom Tariffs Set for a 10–12% Hike by Early 2026
New Delhi, August 19, 2025 (The Market Times): Indian mobile users may soon have to pay more for their monthly plans, with telecom companies expected to raise tariffs by 10–12% between October 2025 and January 2026. The expected hike will mainly impact mid-range and premium customers, according to a report published by NDTV last week.
What’s Driving the Tariff Hike?
Telecom executives have hinted that two major factors are behind this move:
More active subscribers: With millions of new users coming online, networks are under greater pressure, leading to rising operational costs.
Funding 5G rollout: Companies such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea are investing heavily in 5G infrastructure, and additional revenue will help cover these expenses.
Who Will Be Impacted?
The hike will likely be felt most by customers on mid and high-value plans. Budget prepaid packs may see little or no change, allowing mass-market users to stay unaffected.
Analysts also believe the increase will push the industry’s average revenue per user (ARPU) closer to global levels, improving profitability for telecom operators.
What Experts Say
Market watchers note that while higher tariffs will strengthen telecom companies financially, consumers could feel the pinch at a time when household expenses are already on the rise. The industry, however, maintains that such revisions are essential to ensure continued investments in advanced technologies like 5G.
Quick Highlights
📶 Tariffs may rise 10–12%
🗓 Timeline: Oct 2025 – Jan 2026
📈 Reasons: Subscriber growth, 5G expansion
💸 Impact: Mid & high-paying customers most affected
Source: NDTV (report published last week)
(This article is for informational purposes only. The Market Times does not provide financial advice.)
