Airtel has increased the prices of its postpaid plans, which will require users to pay a higher monthly amount. As a result of this increase, the annual bill will rise by an additional 600 rupees. Following the announcement of the price hike, the company's shares rose, bringing it direct benefits, although this placed an additional burden on consumers.
As compensation for the price increase, the company provided a significant advantage: every postpaid plan will now include one free international roaming session per year. The new tariff plans will take effect on October 8, 2026. Despite the benefit of international roaming, it is noted that few users travel internationally, and previously Prime Minister Modi had urged people to avoid international travel.
Airtel raised the cost of its postpaid plans by 50 rupees. Along with this increase, the company introduced new plans with additional benefits. The most significant change was the provision of free roaming for one international trip within all new postpaid plans. According to the company, the value of this roaming bonus is approximately 2000 rupees.
Simply put, Airtel increased the customer's monthly bill but offered a benefit that may be useful for those planning to travel abroad. If a user travels abroad at least once a year, this offer might partially justify the monthly increase of 50 rupees. However, for those who do not travel abroad, this change could lead to a direct increase in expenses.
The new Airtel postpaid plan will start from 499 rupees. This tariff is designed for one person and includes features such as unlimited internet and calls, as well as protection against fraud and spam. Additionally, it includes bonuses like Xstream Play Premium and Google One.
For family plan users, a tariff of 749 rupees is available with two SIM cards. Plans costing 1049 rupees include three SIM cards, while tariffs of 1249 and 1449 rupees provide four SIM cards, and the plan for 1799 rupees includes five SIM cards. Depending on the chosen plan, users receive subscriptions to Amazon Prime, JioHotstar, Apple Music, Apple iCloud+, Netflix, and Xstream Play Premium.
Airtel's main focus is on international roaming. In the new plans, each SIM card will receive a package of free international roaming for five days once a year. This package includes 5 GB of mobile internet, 60 minutes of calls, 25 outgoing SMS, and free incoming SMS.
A notable feature is that the user does not need to activate this service immediately. The five-day package can be activated at the time of travel, according to the user's needs. For example, if the plan was signed up in October, but the trip is planned for December, the bonus can be used then.
For subscribers of family plans, this advantage is even more significant. According to company information, each SIM card included in the family plan is entitled to one free international travel with roaming per year. Thus, if there are four SIM cards in the family, all four can use this bonus.
These changes do not only affect new customers; Airtel reports that existing customers can also switch to the new postpaid plans. This can be done using the Airtel app or by visiting the nearest Airtel store.
According to the report, existing postpaid customers have the option to upgrade to more expensive plans within one month. Therefore, old Airtel postpaid users are advised to monitor their next bill and check the price charged for their current plan.