Bharti Airtel has officially discontinued its Rs 189 voice-only prepaid plan in India,Airtel Quietly Discontinues making the Rs 199 plan the new minimum recharge option. The change reflects a major shift in India’s telecom industry from voice-only offerings to data-focused plans, a move that aligns with the evolving needs of digital consumers.
By The news update| Updated: November 10, 2025
Rs 189 Plan Airtel Quietly Discontinues: Airtel Shifts Focus to Data-Driven Services
The Airtel Rs 189 plan was a popular choice among users who primarily relied on voice calling services, especially in rural areas and among senior citizens. The plan offered unlimited calls across all networks for 28 days and catered to customers with minimal or no data usage. However, Airtel has now removed this option from its website, signaling a broader move toward digital inclusion and higher-value prepaid plans.
With the removal of the Rs 189 plan, the Rs 199 prepaid plan has become the new base option. It includes unlimited calls, 100 SMS per day, and 2GB of data for 28 days, making it a more comprehensive — albeit more expensive — package for consumers. Once users exhaust the data limit, the operator charges Rs 0.50 per MB.
New Airtel Rs 199 Plan: Features and Benefits
The Rs 199 Airtel plan not only provides unlimited calling but also comes with value-added digital perks. Subscribers receive:
- 2GB of mobile data for 28 days
- 100 SMS messages per day
- Free access to Hello Tunes
- A complimentary 12-month subscription to Perplexity Pro AI
While these benefits make the plan more appealing to digitally active users, many rural customers and older subscribers — who used Airtel primarily for calling — now find themselves paying more for features they might never use. This shift underlines Airtel’s strategy of steering its user base toward data consumption as mobile internet penetration deepens across India.
Why Airtel Discontinued the Rs 189 Plan
According to telecom experts, the discontinuation of the voice-only plan is part of a wider trend in India’s telecom sector. Operators such as Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea (Vi) are also transitioning away from low-cost voice plans, instead pushing users toward data-centric packages that promote internet-based services and apps.
This approach supports the industry’s ongoing shift from traditional voice revenues to digital service bundles. As India rapidly becomes a mobile-first economy, telecom providers are prioritizing plans that encourage more data usage, online streaming, and app engagement. Airtel’s update aligns with its broader focus on expanding 5G networks and AI-powered services.
Read also: Airtel Begins Transition to Dual 5G Network in India to Roll Out 5G Advanced
Impact on Rural and Senior Users
The removal of the Rs 189 voice-only plan has drawn mixed reactions from users, particularly among those in rural regions and senior citizens who depend on mobile phones primarily for calling. For these groups, data-based plans offer little value, effectively forcing them to pay more for features they don’t need.
Consumer advocacy groups suggest that this change could further widen the affordability gap in India’s telecom market, where data-focused plans are becoming the norm even for users who prefer basic connectivity. Many budget-conscious consumers are now exploring smaller operators or switching to family postpaid plans for cost efficiency.
Industry-Wide Trend: Data as the New Voice
India’s telecom landscape has been evolving steadily since the advent of Reliance Jio’s affordable 4G plans in 2016. Data consumption has since skyrocketed, with average users now consuming over 20GB per month. Telecom companies like Airtel are capitalizing on this surge by bundling more data and digital services into their entry-level recharges.
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However, this shift is not without trade-offs. The rise in minimum recharge prices could limit accessibility for India’s low-income population — a demographic that still represents a significant portion of mobile subscribers.
Comparison: Airtel vs Jio vs Vi Entry-Level Plans
With Airtel setting Rs 199 as its new minimum recharge, competitors are expected to follow suit or adjust their base plans to stay competitive. Here’s how the three major telecom operators currently compare:
| Operator | Minimum Recharge Plan | Validity | Data Benefits | Additional Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airtel | Rs 199 | 28 days | 2GB | Hello Tunes, Perplexity Pro AI |
| Jio | Rs 155 | 28 days | 2GB | JioTV, JioCinema access |
| Vodafone Idea (Vi) | Rs 199 | 28 days | 2GB | Vi Movies & TV app access |
The comparison shows that while Airtel’s Rs 199 plan remains competitive, users who do not need data may prefer Jio’s Rs 155 plan, which is still available for voice-centric users. However, Airtel’s robust network quality and nationwide 5G rollout remain significant advantages.
Expert Opinions on Airtel’s Strategy
Industry analysts believe that Airtel’s decision reflects a calculated strategy to raise its Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). By phasing out low-value plans, Airtel ensures that its subscriber base contributes to higher profitability while maintaining a quality user experience.
According to telecom analyst Rajiv Sharma, “This move will help Airtel streamline its offerings, reduce fragmentation, and encourage users to engage more with its digital ecosystem. It’s also consistent with the company’s efforts to expand premium services and strengthen its position in India’s competitive telecom market.”
What It Means for the Future of Telecom in India
The discontinuation of Airtel’s Rs 189 plan could be a sign of what’s to come across the telecom sector. As operators continue to enhance 5G infrastructure, offer AI-driven tools, and invest in content partnerships, consumers will likely see a further decline in pure voice plans.
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For users, this may mean higher upfront costs but also greater access to digital tools, entertainment, and connectivity. As India’s digital economy expands, telecom companies are adapting to ensure their revenue models align with the nation’s data-first future.
Final Thoughts
Airtel’s quiet discontinuation of the Rs 189 voice-only plan marks a major milestone in India’s telecom evolution. The Rs 199 plan brings added digital benefits and aligns with modern usage habits, but also raises affordability concerns for millions of basic users.
As the telecom landscape continues to shift toward data-led growth, the challenge for operators like Airtel will be to balance innovation with inclusivity — ensuring that India’s move toward a 5G and AI-driven future doesn’t leave behind the consumers who helped build the foundation of its mobile revolution..
