New Delhi — A fresh analysis from Centrum Institutional Research warns that Indian mobile‑service charges could climb by roughly 12 %‑15 % over the next four to five months, putting pressure on consumers nationwide.
Drivers Behind the Expected Surge
Centrum points out that the telecom landscape has become heavily consolidated, leaving just three private giants to vie for market share. With fewer competitors, the environment is ripe for carriers to lift prices.
Subscriber Growth Outlook
The forecast anticipates that the leading trio—Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea—will keep adding users during the July‑September 2026 quarter.
- Jio is projected to attract about 8 million new customers.
- Airtel could gain roughly 3 million additional subscribers.
- Vodafone Idea is expected to enroll close to 1 million fresh users despite mounting competitive pressure.
ARPU Expectations
Rising data usage and broader 5G rollout are set to push average revenue per user (ARPU) higher for each carrier.
- Jio’s ARPU may inch up about 1 % to approximately ₹218 per month.
- Airtel’s ARPU could rise around 2 % to near ₹269 per month.
- Vodafone Idea’s ARPU is forecasted to increase roughly 0.8 % to about ₹178 per month.
5G Expansion as a Growth Engine
Both Jio and Airtel have already extended 5G coverage to more than 95 % of India’s districts and are now concentrating on boosting the adoption of 5G‑compatible devices. Vodafone Idea has launched 5G in roughly 200 cities and is steadily expanding its reach.
What Users Should Keep an Eye On
To date, none of the operators have issued an official notice of a price increase. The 12 %‑15 % rise remains an analyst projection that could materialise within the next four to five months. Should the forecast come true, customers might notice higher recharge amounts or altered plan structures, so it’s prudent to await formal announcements before drawing conclusions.
