Airtel Removes Rs 299, Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649 Recharge Plans: What Customers Need to Know…

Bharti Airtel has made a significant change to its prepaid recharge portfolio, discontinuing several plans that were popular among Indian customers. The affected packs include Rs 299, Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649, according to reports published on August 12.

The move has attracted attention because these plans catered to users looking for relatively affordable combinations of daily data, calling and longer validity. However, the availability of some packs may vary by telecom circle, meaning not every Airtel customer will necessarily see the same changes immediately.

Rs 299 Airtel plan removed

The Rs 299 prepaid plan was among Airtel’s notable entry-level daily-data options. According to reports, it offered 1GB of data per day, unlimited voice calling, 100 SMS per day and 28 days of validity, along with benefits such as Hello Tunes.

Its removal means customers looking for a similar affordable daily-data recharge may now need to consider a different plan.

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Recent reports indicate that Airtel’s Rs 349 plan is becoming the lower-priced unlimited option in markets where the Rs 299 pack has been removed.

Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649 packs also affected

Airtel has also removed the Rs 579, Rs 619 and Rs 649 prepaid options in certain markets.

The availability of these plans has reportedly been particularly inconsistent across telecom circles. For example, reports have highlighted changes in the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand circles, while some of the packs may still appear in other regions.

That means Airtel users should check the plans available for their specific mobile number before assuming that a particular recharge has disappeared nationwide.

Rs 859 plan gets more expensive

The changes are not limited to discontinued packs.

The Rs 859 prepaid plan has reportedly been revised to Rs 899, while reports indicate that customers do not receive additional benefits in return for the higher price.

For existing Airtel customers, this effectively makes some previously available recharge choices more expensive or pushes them towards other plans.

Is Airtel moving towards more premium plans?

The latest changes come as India’s telecom sector continues to evolve around the expansion of 5G services.

Airtel has been expanding its 5G network while continuing to maintain its 4G services. However, the removal or revision of selected prepaid packs could indicate a broader effort by telecom operators to simplify their portfolios and encourage customers towards different recharge categories.

It is important not to interpret the latest changes as a complete removal of affordable 4G services. The actual plan lineup remains dependent on the customer’s telecom circle and Airtel’s current offerings.

What about Jio and Vi?

Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea are also operating in an increasingly competitive telecom market, where operators continue to adjust their prepaid offerings.

That makes pricing an important factor for customers, particularly those who primarily use mobile data and calling for everyday communication.

The latest Airtel changes could therefore become significant if similar adjustments are eventually adopted more widely across the industry.

TRAI’s role in telecom services

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, or TRAI, oversees India’s telecom sector and regularly publishes information and regulations relating to service quality and consumer interests.

TRAI’s consultation documents also track telecom tariffs and plan structures. Its April 2026 consultation paper, for example, listed the Airtel Rs 299 plan among the mobile tariffs used for comparison at the time.

However, the latest plan discontinuations should not automatically be described as a regulatory action or as evidence that 4G services are being withdrawn.

What Airtel users should do now

If you are an Airtel prepaid customer, the safest approach is to check the recharge options currently displayed for your specific number and telecom circle.

Plan availability can differ between regions, and reports suggest that some discontinued packs have continued to appear for certain customers or locations.

The key takeaway is simple: Airtel has changed several prepaid options, but the exact impact depends on where you are and which plans are currently available for your number.