New Delhi — Mobile subscribers across India may soon notice steeper bills, with a new Centrum Institutional Research report estimating a 12%‑15% tariff rise within the next four‑to‑five months.
Why Rates Could Tick Up
Centrum points out that the Indian telecom landscape has become heavily consolidated, leaving just three private giants to dominate the market. With fewer rivals in play, operators find it easier to push pricing higher.
Projected Subscriber Growth
The forecast suggests that the leading trio — Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea — will keep adding users during the July‑September 2026 quarter.
- Jio is expected to attract roughly 8 million new customers.
- Airtel may gain about 3 million additional wireless users.
- Vodafone Idea could add close to 1 million subscribers despite mounting competitive pressure.
ARPU Outlook
Rising data consumption and broader 5G coverage are set to lift average revenue per user (ARPU) for each carrier.
- Jio’s ARPU might edge up ~1% to roughly ₹218 per month.
- Airtel’s ARPU could climb about 2% to near ₹269 per month.
- Vodafone Idea’s ARPU is projected to increase around 0.8% to about ₹178 per month.
5G Expansion Drives Momentum
Both Jio and Airtel have already rolled out 5G services to more than 95% of India’s districts and are now focusing on boosting compatible device adoption. Vodafone Idea has launched 5G in roughly 200 cities and continues to broaden its reach.
What Users Should Keep an Eye On
So far, no carrier has officially announced a price increase. The 12%‑15% surge remains an analyst projection that could materialise within the coming months. If the forecast holds, consumers might encounter higher recharge amounts or altered plan structures, so it’s prudent to await formal notices before drawing conclusions.
