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

Celona’s 5G LAN and Neutral Host Solutions Transform Manufacturing Automation

Celona’s 5G LAN and Neutral Host Solutions Transform Manufacturing Automation

Award Category: Excellence in Neutral Host Networks

Winner: Celona

Partners: Del Conca and T-Mobile


Celona’s innovative 5G LAN and Neutral Host solutions have been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Excellence in Neutral Host Networks” for transforming connectivity and operational efficiency at Del Conca USA, a leading manufacturer of fine Italian porcelain tiles. By addressing the limitations of legacy Wi-Fi systems, Celona deployed a robust, scalable private wireless network that significantly enhanced coverage, mobility, and operational resilience across Del Conca’s 30-acre facility. Leveraging the Citizen’s Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum, Celona’s solution delivered reliable, interference-resistant connectivity, optimizing real-time data communication for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and forklifts, thereby minimizing production delays and improving material handling efficiency. Additionally, Celona’s Neutral Host capabilities seamlessly integrated public cellular networks through a partnership with T-Mobile, providing uninterrupted indoor and outdoor connectivity for employees. This deployment not only showcased the transformative impact of Celona’s private 5G and Neutral Host solutions on manufacturing automation but also set a new benchmark for scalable, secure, and collaborative network integration across industrial environments.

GXC Transforms Enterprise Connectivity with ONYX Platform

GXC Transforms Enterprise Connectivity with ONYX Platform

Award Category: Excellence in Private Network Startups

Winner: GXC


GXC’s ONYX Platform, powered by Cellular Mesh technology, delivers scalable, seamless, and secure communication across industries. Recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Excellence in Private Network Startups,” GXC’s proprietary Cellular Mesh technology and its ONYX Platform have established it as a frontrunner in delivering reliable, high-performance connectivity solutions tailored to meet the complex needs of enterprises.

OneLayer Sets New Benchmarks for Private Network Security

OneLayer Sets New Benchmarks for Private Network Security

Award Category: Excellence in Private Network Security

Winner: OneLayer


OneLayer’s innovative Zero Trust and Zero-Touch automation solutions provide unmatched security, visibility, and scalability for private LTE/5G networks. This approach has earned OneLayer the prestigious TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Excellence in Private Network Security,” recognizing their contributions to safeguarding private networks. By implementing robust security frameworks and automated device management, OneLayer empowers industries to efficiently manage and protect complex private cellular networks, enhancing network integrity and resilience through unmatched visibility, automated onboarding, and scalable security measures.

SCE and NVIDIA Transform Network Operations with AI-Driven Project Orca

SCE and NVIDIA Transform Network Operations with AI-Driven Project Orca

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Generative AI Integration

Winner: Southern California Edison (SCE) & NVIDIA


Southern California Edison (SCE), in collaboration with NVIDIA, has been honored with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Excellence in Private Network AI and Generative AI Integration” for their transformative work in modernizing network operations through advanced AI and predictive analytics. Their initiative, Project Orca, exemplifies the power of AI-driven innovation, enhancing predictive capabilities, operational efficiency, and the reliability of critical infrastructure. This collaboration highlights how SCE and NVIDIA’s AI solutions redefine network operations, elevating performance and setting new standards for AI integration in private networks.

LTTS Elevates Industrial Connectivity through Advanced Private 5G System Integration

LTTS Elevates Industrial Connectivity through Advanced Private 5G System Integration

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in System Integration

Winner: L&T Technology Services (LTTS)

Partner: Ericsson, Athonet (HPE), Indian Mobile Operator


L&T Technology Services (LTTS) has been recognized with the prestigious TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in System Integration” for its advanced Private 5G integration solutions. This award highlights LTTS’s critical role in transforming industrial connectivity by enhancing operational technology (OT) and IT network reliability, boosting safety, and driving seamless automation across large-scale industrial environments. LTTS’s approach ensures optimal OT/IT convergence, increasing connectivity and operational efficiency and redefining standards for automation and network performance in the industrial sector.

Anritsu Transforms Private Network Assurance for Mission-Critical Environments

Anritsu Transforms Private Network Assurance for Mission-Critical Environments

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Network Assurance

Winner: Anritsu

Partner: SmartViser, Major European Airline


Anritsu has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Network Assurance” for its outstanding achievements in ensuring private 5G/LTE network performance and reliability. This award highlights Anritsu’s comprehensive approach to network monitoring, business-centric KPIs, and performance analytics within mission-critical environments such as international airports. By leveraging advanced real-time monitoring, automated testing technologies, and collaborative solutions with SmartViser, Anritsu has set a new benchmark for maintaining optimal network efficiency, user satisfaction, and high-performance connectivity in complex private network scenarios.

Download Magazine

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

AI Pulse: Telecom’s New Frontier

Sponsored Content

Currently, no free downloads are available for related categories. Search similar content to download:

  • Reset

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