Bharti Airtel has launched a new prepaid recharge plan priced at Rs 398, designed specifically for users who demand both high-speed internet and premium entertainment content. This new offering, now available across the Airtel Thanks app, website, and retail outlets, is crafted to cater to the increasing need for robust data services alongside entertainment perks. The Rs 398 prepaid plan is aimed at customers who seek not only seamless connectivity but also value-added services like access to popular streaming platforms.
One of the most notable features of this plan is a 28-day subscription to Hotstar Mobile, a streaming service that provides users access to a wide range of live sports events, movies, and trending web series. However, it’s worth noting that this subscription plan is device-restricted, meaning it can only be accessed on a smartphone. Additionally, the Hotstar Mobile subscription provided with the plan is ad-supported. The pricing for Hotstar’s Mobile plan is typically Rs 149 for 3 months or Rs 499 for an annual subscription, so Airtel’s plan offers an added value by bundling this subscription at no additional cost.
Apart from the Hotstar subscription, the new Airtel prepaid plan also includes unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, ensuring that users can stay connected without worrying about extra charges. Furthermore, it provides 2GB of 5G data per day, allowing users to enjoy high-speed internet access for browsing, streaming, and other online activities. This plan also includes 100 SMS per day, providing users with a reliable way to communicate without incurring additional charges for text messages. With a validity of 28 days, this prepaid recharge plan ensures that users receive a comprehensive package that includes entertainment, connectivity, and high-speed internet for a full month.
In a bid to remain competitive, Airtel’s main rival, Reliance Jio, has also rolled out a new prepaid recharge plan, known as the New Year Welcome Plan, priced at Rs 2025. Unlike Airtel’s shorter-term plan, Jio’s offering is designed for long-term users, providing a validity period of 200 days. This extended plan is packed with benefits, including unlimited calling and a substantial 500GB of high-speed 4G data, with a daily FUP limit of 2.5 GB. Jio users will also enjoy unlimited access to 5G data, making it a strong option for those who prioritize long-term data consumption and seamless internet access.
Beyond the data and calling benefits, Jio’s New Year Welcome Plan also comes with complimentary access to JioSuite apps, including JioTV and JioCinema, which offer a wealth of entertainment options such as live television channels, movies, and on-demand web series. This is a significant value addition, especially for users who enjoy streaming content on the go. The plan is available for a limited period, from December 11, 2024, to January 11, 2025, and can be activated through the MyJio app or the Jio website.
Both Airtel and Jio’s latest plans are part of a broader strategy to meet the growing demand for data and entertainment integration in the mobile market. While Airtel’s Rs 398 plan caters to those seeking a compact, short-term recharge with access to premium content like Hotstar, Jio’s Rs 2025 plan appeals to users looking for a long-term commitment with substantial data and entertainment benefits over several months. Both plans are strategically designed to capitalize on the increasing trend of users consuming online content and data-intensive services like video streaming, gaming, and social media browsing.
The growing focus on premium entertainment subscriptions, like Hotstar, JioTV, and JioCinema, reflects a wider shift in consumer behavior, where mobile internet plans are increasingly seen not just as a utility but as a way to access entertainment on the go. This trend highlights the competitive nature of the telecom industry in India, with both Airtel and Jio striving to provide a comprehensive digital experience to their users. As 2024 progresses, customers can expect even more innovations and competitive offers from both operators, as they look to secure a larger share of the market by providing better value and enhanced experiences.
