New Delhi: Mobile recharge plans in India may become more expensive again towards the end of 2026, with a possible tariff hike in November or December. According to recent reports and a post by tipster Abhishek Yadav on X, telecom operators may increase prepaid and postpaid plan prices after Diwali.

However, no official announcement confirming a nationwide tariff hike has been made by the telecom companies so far.

How Much Could Recharge Prices Increase?

According to a report by Centrum Institutional Research cited in the report, mobile tariffs could rise by around 12 to 15 per cent over the coming months.

For example, if a recharge plan currently costs ₹300, a 12–15 per cent increase could push its price to approximately ₹336–₹345. The actual price, if revised, would depend on the operator and the specific plan.

Airtel has already increased the prices of some postpaid plans, adding to speculation about possible tariff revisions across the telecom sector.

Why Could Telecom Operators Increase Tariffs?

Industry experts believe telecom companies are increasingly focusing on improving revenue and strengthening their financial position rather than competing solely on lower prices.

The high cost of developing and maintaining 5G infrastructure is another factor putting pressure on operators to increase average revenue per user (ARPU). With a limited number of major private telecom operators in the market, companies may have greater flexibility to revise tariffs.

Nevertheless, the timing and scale of any future price increase remain uncertain.

What About Affordable Calling Plans?

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has directed operators to provide affordable options for customers who primarily need voice calls and SMS rather than data services.

Airtel has introduced three plans in this category, according to the supplied report. Customers may also watch for similar offerings from other major telecom operators.

Such plans could help users who maintain secondary SIM cards or do not require regular mobile internet access.

Should You Recharge for 84 Days or One Year?

If tariffs increase, customers using 84-day or annual recharge plans could also face higher costs when renewing their plans.

Users who regularly recharge their numbers may consider comparing available long-term plans with their monthly spending. An annual plan could offer protection from a future price increase for its validity period if purchased before revised tariffs take effect, but it requires a larger upfront payment.

Customers should compare benefits, validity, data allowances and their budget before choosing a plan.

No Official Confirmation Yet

Although reports suggest that mobile recharge tariffs could increase in November or December 2026, telecom operators have not officially confirmed such a hike.

For now, consumers should treat the proposed increase as a possibility rather than a confirmed decision. Any final changes will depend on official announcements from the operators.