Jio and Bharti Airtel are currently offering unlimited 5G data as part of their mobile plans without any additional charges.
Indian carriers Reliance Jio Infocomm and Bharti Airtel are considering introducing new 5G plans, which would mean a 5-10% increase for end users, local reports reported.
These two telcos began rolling out 5G across India in October 2022 and are now offering unlimited 5G data as part of their mobile plans without charging any extra charges.
The report notes that this strategy is aimed at maximizing 5G adoption among Indian customers. However, both carriers are currently analyzing the introduction of separate plans for 5G connectivity, which could amount to an increase of 5-10% compared to regular 4G plans.
The report states that Jio and Airtel will launch new 5G plans in the second half of 2024. Both carriers aim to start recouping their investments in 5G networks by increasing average revenue per user (ARPU) through these new plans.
Additionally, these new 5G plans are expected to offer customers 30% more data than regular 4G plans, which typically offer 1.5 GB to 3 GB of data per day.
There are currently more than 125 million 5G subscribers between the two carriers. Moreover, according to previous reports, the number of 5G users in India is expected to cross 200 million by the end of 2024.
Reliance Jio Infocomm has already completed the rollout of 5G technology in India. Reliance Jio Infocomm is rapidly expanding its 5G network using Standalone (SA) architecture from October 2022.
Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel had earlier said that it plans to cover the entire country with 5G technology by March 2024.
India completed its first 5G spectrum auction in July 2022. Reliance Jio spent his $11 billion and acquired the most frequencies. Airtel acquired his spectrum worth $5.4 billion and Vodafone acquired his spectrum worth $2.4 billion. Finally, Adani will purchase approximately $27 million worth of spectrum, which will be used to provide private 5G network services.
The Indian government recently confirmed that the next 5G spectrum auction is scheduled to begin on May 20th.
This new auction will feature 5G radio waves in the 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 3.3 GHz, and 26 GHz bands.
Telecommunications carriers wishing to purchase spectrum can apply until April 22. According to reports, a mock spectrum auction will be held on May 13th and 14th.
The auction will attract only a few bids for spectrum renewal from Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi), sources said.
