Looking to recharge your Airtel prepaid mobile but feeling a pinch in your pocket? You’re not alone. Airtel recently tweaked its popular prepaid plans, the Rs 118 and Rs 289 plans, introducing some changes that might impact your recharge routine. Let’s dive into the details and see if the new plans offer better value.
Data Boost for Budget-Conscious Users: The New Rs 129 Plan
Airtel’s Rs 118 plan, a favorite among data-hungry users, has undergone a slight transformation. It’s now the Rs 129 plan, offering the same 12GB of data you loved. However, there’s a catch: this plan is purely a data booster. You won’t get any voice call benefits or SMS credits.
While the data quantity remains the same, the price hike translates to a slightly increased cost per GB. Previously, you paid Rs 9.83 per GB. Now, with the Rs 129 plan, you’ll be shelling out Rs 10.75 per GB. So, is it still a good deal?
The Verdict on the Rs 129 Plan:
This plan caters specifically to users who primarily consume data. If you rely heavily on data for streaming, browsing, or social media, and have separate voice call plans or subscriptions for calling apps, then the Rs 129 plan might be a decent option. However, if you need a more comprehensive recharge with voice call benefits and SMS, you might want to consider other options.
More Data, More Validity, More Price: The Revamped Rs 329 Plan
Airtel’s Rs 289 plan, a well-rounded option offering both data and calling benefits, has also seen a price revision. It’s now the Rs 329 plan. Here’s what you get:
- Validity: 35 days (compared to 28 days in the previous plan)
- Data: 4GB data
- Calling: Unlimited voice calls (local and STD)
- SMS: 300 SMS
- Additional Benefits: Free Airtel Thanks benefits like Apollo 24X7 Circle subscription, free HelloTunes, and access to Wynk Music
While the price jump from Rs 289 to Rs 329 might seem significant, the increased validity (from 28 days to 35 days) offers a slight cost advantage when you calculate the daily usage cost. Previously, the daily cost was Rs 8.25. Now, with the revised plan, it’s Rs 9.40, a marginal increase.
The Verdict on the Rs 329 Plan:
This plan is ideal for users who need a balance of data and calling benefits. The extended validity and additional Airtel Thanks perks make it a more attractive option compared to its predecessor. However, if you’re a light data user and make fewer calls, exploring other plans with lower data allowances and unlimited calling might be a more cost-effective choice.
A Look at the Revamped Plans in a Nutshell
| Feature | Old Rs 118 Plan | New Rs 129 Plan | Old Rs 289 Plan | New Rs 329 Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Validity | – | – | 28 days | 35 days |
| Data | 12 GB | 12 GB | 1.5 GB/day (42 GB total) | 4 GB |
| Calls | – | – | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| SMS | – | – | 100/day (2800 total) | 300 |
| Additional Benefits | – | – | – | Airtel Thanks benefits |
Finding the Right Plan for You: A Few Pointers
Before you hit that recharge button, consider your typical mobile usage patterns:
- Data Consumption: How much data do you typically use in a month? Do you primarily use Wi-Fi or rely heavily on mobile data?
- Calling Habits: Are you a frequent caller, or do you primarily use messaging apps for communication?
- SMS Needs: Do you still rely on SMS for communication, or do you use messaging apps like WhatsApp?
By answering these questions, you can narrow down your options and choose the Airtel prepaid plan that best suits your needs and budget. Remember, the “cheapest” plan isn’t always the best deal. Consider the overall value proposition based on your usage patterns
