Telecom operators hike mobile tariffs, data tariffs by upto 42 per cent

In an attempt to tide over the crisis in telecom sector, incumbent operators Vodafone Idea (VIL) and Bharti Airtel hiked mobile tariffs by up to 42 per cent, effective December 3.

VIL, which posted its highest-ever net loss for a corporate in the country, hiked mobile tariffs by an average 20-30 per cent for its pre-paid services. In certain data schemes, the tariff increases were as high as 42 per cent.

The company has launched 16 new plans with various validities (2, 28, 84 and 365 days) and prices (ranging from Rs 49 to Rs 2,399), in an attempt to mitigate losses from Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) payout.

Earlier on November 18, Vodafone Idea had stated “acute financial stress” in the sector that required it to hike tariffs from December.