In the realm of Indian telecom giants, Jio and Airtel stand out as the frontrunners, whether it’s about plans or network prowess. A seismic shift awaits 5G users as reports suggest that both Jio and Airtel are set to discontinue unlimited 5G data plans a few months into 2024, potentially accompanied by a surge in plan prices. The latest reports also indicate that companies are robustly boosting revenue growth through 4G tariff strategies.
Bharti Airtel, a major player in the telecommunications sector, recently announced a notable increase in its Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), but emphasizes that true improvement will stem from aligning tariff rates. During discussions on the results for the December quarter, Gopal Vittal, the Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, asserted that the question isn’t whether there will be corrections in tariff rates, but rather when they will occur. Vittal stated that genuine improvements will manifest only when there is an enhancement in tariff rates, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
Airtel’s top executives remarked that there has been fluctuation in ARPU over certain quarters, witnessing both growth and decline. However, a clear upward trend in ARPU has been observed over a more extended period.
Moreover, Vittal expressed reservations about offering free data on the 5G network as a viable business proposition. Bharti Airtel reported a consolidated net profit of INR 2,442.2 crores in the December quarter, marking a significant 54% increase, propelled by growth in high-value customers.
