Potential End of Free 5G: Airtel and Reliance Jio May Implement Charges

Discover the potential changes in 5G data plans by Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, signaling the end of free 5G services. Learn about the pricing strategies and the latest 5G testing developments.
5G - TeckNexus

The Changing Landscape of 5G Services


The era of complimentary 5G data offerings might be nearing its end, as leading telecom operators Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are reportedly considering discontinuing their unlimited 5G data plans. This potential shift, highlighted in recent media reports, signifies a strategic move towards enhancing revenue streams.

Impending Price Adjustments

Industry analysts predict that both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel could introduce a pricing model for 5G services that is approximately 5-10% higher than their current 4G rates. This change is expected to commence from the latter half of 2024, as per the Economic Times. The rationale behind this move is to improve monetization efforts and foster revenue growth.

Moreover, the telecom giants are also anticipated to increase mobile tariffs by a minimum of 20% in the September quarter of 2024. This strategy aims to optimize the return on investment (ROI) associated with their 5G infrastructure and customer acquisition costs.

Vodafone-Idea and BSNL: Yet to Join the 5G Bandwagon

While Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel progress in their 5G endeavors, Vodafone-Idea and the state-owned BSNL remain on the sidelines of the 5G rollout in India.

Bharti Airtel’s Collaborative Efforts with Ericsson

In a notable development, Bharti Airtel has successfully completed a test of Ericsson’s pre-commercial Reduced Capability (RedCap) software on its 5G network. This testing was conducted in partnership with Qualcomm, utilizing its 5G RedCap test module. The exercise, performed on the 5G TDD network, marks the first implementation and validation of Ericsson’s RedCap technology in India.

Ericsson’s RedCap solution paves the way for a variety of new 5G use cases. It is designed to support a wider range of 5G connections, catering to devices beyond smartphones, such as smartwatches, wearables, industrial sensors, and AR/VR devices.

In Summary

The telecom industry is bracing for a significant shift as free 5G offerings could soon be a thing of the past. With Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel at the forefront of this change, the landscape of 5G services and pricing in India is poised for a noteworthy transformation.


Picture of News Feed

News Feed

All Posts

Recent Content

5G Connectivity in Urban vs. Rural America: Coverage Gaps & Expansion

5G Connectivity in Urban vs. Rural America: Coverage Gaps & Expansion
5G coverage in the U.S. varies significantly between urban and rural areas. While T-Mobile leads in availability, AT&T leverages FirstNet for rural expansion, and Verizon focuses on C-band spectrum. States like Nevada and Illinois rank high for 5G access, while Wyoming struggles with coverage gaps. With continued investment from major carriers and the FCC’s 5G Fund, rural connectivity is set to improve nationwide. Source: Ookla® (This article is based on Ookla’s research and Speedtest Intelligence® data).

How AI Enhances Telecom Security: Threat Detection, Fraud Prevention & Compliance

How AI Enhances Telecom Security: Threat Detection, Fraud Prevention & Compliance
AI is playing a key role in telecom security by strengthening threat detection, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance. As 5G, IoT, and edge computing expand, telecom networks face cyber threats such as AI-specific attacks, network intrusions, and data breaches. AI-powered security solutions provide automated threat response, anomaly detection, and AI lifecycle protection, helping telecom providers maintain a secure and resilient network infrastructure.

EE Launches 5G Standalone at Wembley Stadium, Boosting UK Sports Connectivity

https://tecknexus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Distributed-Energy-Resource-Management-System-resized.jpg
EE has deployed the UK’s first 5G Standalone (SA) network at Wembley Stadium, setting a new benchmark for sports venue connectivity. This upgrade delivers faster speeds, ultra-low latency, and enhanced capacity, ensuring seamless live streaming, mobile transactions, and digital fan experiences. As part of EE’s nationwide 5G expansion, this deployment paves the way for smart stadium innovations and next-generation event experiences.

Vodafone Spain Deploys Private 5G at Muga Potash Mine for Safer, Smarter Mining

Ericsson and Becker Mining Systems partner to resell private 5G network solutions for global mining sector
Vodafone Spain is deploying a private 5G network at the Muga Potash Mine in collaboration with Geoalcali. This initiative enhances safety, automation, and operational efficiency in underground mining by enabling real-time data access, remote-controlled machinery, and IoT-powered monitoring. With low-latency connectivity and AI-driven automation, the project sets a new benchmark for smart mining in Spain.

Celona & stc Group Launch Private 5G to Drive Business Efficiency in the Middle East

Celona & stc Group Launch Private 5G to Drive Business Efficiency in the Middle East
Celona and stc Group have announced a strategic partnership to expand private 5G adoption in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This initiative enhances business efficiency through secure, scalable, and high-performance wireless connectivity. Designed for industries like oil and gas, logistics, manufacturing, and mining, the solution addresses key challenges of traditional networks, reducing operational costs and driving digital transformation.

LCRA & Ericsson to Deploy Private LTE Network for Texas Utilities

LCRA & Ericsson to Deploy Private LTE Network for Texas Utilities
LCRA and Ericsson are set to transform Texas’ utility sector with a private LTE network spanning 68 counties. This initiative strengthens cybersecurity, improves real-time communications, and enhances grid reliability. By leveraging Ericsson’s 5G-ready technology, LCRA ensures a future-proof infrastructure for mission-critical operations, benefiting electric cooperatives, municipalities, and other essential services.

Download Magazine

With Subscription
AI Pulse: Telecom's New Frontier - TeckNexus Magazine

AI Pulse: Telecom’s New Frontier

Sponsored Content

5G Private Networks and Testing - TeckNexus Report - Sponsored by Anritsu

Private 5G Networks and Testing

Whitepaper
Private 5G Networks and Testing - TeckNexus Infographic

Private 5G Networks and Testing Infographic

Whitepaper

It seems we can't find what you're looking for.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Latest Videos

NTT DATA and Nokia Transform Brownsville into a Smart City with Private 5G

NTT Data and Nokia: Driving Private Networks for Smart Cities

Ericsson’s Private 5G Network Enhances Mining Safety and Efficiency

Private Networks for Mining: How Ericsson and Epiroc Lead the Way

Ericsson’s Private 5G Network Transforms Smart Manufacturing

How Ericsson’s Private 5G Transforms Smart Factory Operations

Cumucore Restores Critical Connectivity for Western North Carolina

Private Networks for Post-Hurricane Recovery: A Case Study

Invences & Trilogy Networks Drive Agricultural Innovation with Private 5G in North Dakota

Private Networks for Agriculture: Trilogy’s Vision

Scroll to Top

Magazine

AI Pulse:

Telecom's Next Frontier
Read Now
Download with Subscription