Despite this, the returns are not that great and the telco is looking to revise the tariffs by mid-2023. Airtel Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal also believes that the tariffs are too low and stresses on the importance of increasing the tariffs. He added that the industry is not in favor of another Vodafone-Idea situation.
Airtel to extend tariff plans till mid-2023
,We need a strong telecom company in the country. India’s dream is digital, economic development is fully realised. I think the government is fully aware, the regulator is aware and the people are also very aware. The report added that Mittal differed with the view that the rising tariffs would hit the pockets of some customers,PTI quoted Sunil Bharti Mittal as saying.
The recently introduced Rs 155 plan offers 1GB data, 300 SMS and unlimited calling. The company has increased the minimum recharge charges in 19 circles, but Madhya Pradesh, Kolkata and Gujarat are yet to make the change. Airtel managed to increase ARPU to Rs 193 in December last year as compared to Rs 163 in December 2021.
Meanwhile, HSBC said in a new report that growth in postpaid users and 5G are likely to boost Airtel’s growth. The company has so far launched 5G in 151 cities and plans to expand the service to 300 cities by the end of this financial year. The report states that mobile revenue growth will increase as customers move from 2G to 4G. Growth in ARPU and postpaid users will help the telco.
