If you’re worried about rising mobile recharge prices, beware. Telecom companies are preparing to increase their tariff plans by a massive 16 to 20 percent in 2026. In such a scenario, Airtel’s 365-day annual plans can prove to be a powerful shield against the hassle of frequent expensive recharges.

The biggest advantage of these plans is that they’re guaranteed for the entire year by recharging once, ensuring inflation doesn’t impact your budget. Airtel is not only offering unlimited 5G data, but also includes valuable benefits, such as premium AI subscriptions for free.

Why will recharge prices increase in 2026

According to a recent report, Indian telecom giants are planning to increase prices to increase their Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). The last time recharge prices were increased was in 2024, and now, after a gap of two years, companies are planning to increase tariffs again. This will have the biggest impact on users who use high-speed 5G internet. Experts believe that a plan that costs ₹300 today could cost you more than ₹400 tomorrow.

Airtel ₹3599 Plan

Airtel’s ₹3599 plan is ideal for those who use the internet frequently. It offers 2GB of data per day, and if you’re in a 5G coverage area, you can enjoy unlimited 5G data without any limits. The biggest highlight of this plan is its Perplexity Pro AI subscription. Its market price is around ₹17,000, which Airtel is offering free for a full year. You also get access to free Hello Tunes.

Airtel ₹3999 Plan

If you’re a movie and cricket enthusiast, the ₹3999 plan is perfect for you. This plan increases the daily data limit to 2.5GB. Calling and SMS services are available, but its main attraction is a Disney+ Hotstar mobile subscription. You can watch your favorite movies and sports for a full year. Like the ₹3599 plan, it also offers free access to Perplexity Pro AI and Hello Tunes. This plan is an investment for users who want to plan for their recharge costs.

What does Twitter say

According to estimates shared on the social media platform ‘X’, if prices increase by 20%, Airtel’s 28-day 5G plan could increase from ₹319 to ₹419. Meanwhile, Jio’s basic plan, priced at ₹299, is expected to reach ₹359. Similarly, the popular 5G plan, priced at ₹349, could become ₹429. Considering these increased prices, purchasing an annual plan today could prove to be a very wise decision in the long run.