Airtel Shocks Prepaid Users by Dropping Popular ₹249 Plan

• Airtel removes ₹249 prepaid plan, leaving customers disappointed
• Users now pushed towards ₹299 plan with similar benefits
• Reliance Jio had earlier discontinued its own ₹249 pack

Airtel prepaid users received an unexpected jolt as the telecom operator silently withdrew its widely-used ₹249 plan. For many, this plan was the go-to option for affordable daily data and calls.

The now-discontinued ₹249 pack offered 1GB of high-speed data per day, unlimited voice calling, and 100 SMS daily. Along with that, users also enjoyed perks such as free Hellotunes, access to Airtel Xstream Play, and even limited-time access to AI-powered tools like Perplexity Pro AI. The plan had a 24-day validity, which made it popular among budget-conscious subscribers.

With the removal of this plan, Airtel has left customers with the next available option — the ₹299 recharge. This plan provides almost identical benefits: 1GB of data per day, 100 SMS per day, and unlimited calling. However, it comes with a 28-day validity period, making it slightly costlier but longer in duration. Added features such as Spam Alerts, free Hellotunes, and Perplexity Pro AI access are also bundled with this pack.

Interestingly, Reliance Jio had earlier taken a similar step by discontinuing its own ₹249 plan that included daily 1GB data, unlimited calling, 100 SMS, and access to JioTV for 28 days. With both Airtel and Jio removing this affordable option, prepaid users who relied on the ₹249 recharge pack are now left searching for alternatives in the ₹299 and above range.

For low-budget subscribers who mainly used the plan for moderate daily data and calls, this development has come as a setback. Many have expressed disappointment online, stating that telecom operators are steadily removing affordable packs and nudging customers toward higher-priced recharges.

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