In a strategic move to make high-speed connectivity more accessible, telecom giant Bharti Airtel has unveiled a new budget-friendly prepaid plan priced at just ₹198. This latest addition to Airtel’s prepaid portfolio offers an impressive combination of generous data allowance, unlimited voice calling, and 5G network access – all designed to cater to the growing demand for affordable yet feature-rich mobile plans in the Indian market.
Plan Highlights: Balancing Affordability with Premium Features
The newly launched ₹198 recharge plan stands out for its well-balanced approach to combining essential communication needs with next-generation connectivity at a price point that won’t strain monthly budgets. Targeting the value-conscious segment of mobile users, this plan delivers 2GB of daily high-speed data that works across both 4G and 5G networks where available.
“With this plan, we’re democratizing 5G access while ensuring our customers get substantial daily data without compromising on voice benefits,” said an Airtel spokesperson. “The ₹198 plan represents our commitment to making cutting-edge technology accessible to everyone.”
Comprehensive Plan Details
Let’s look at the complete benefit structure of the new Airtel ₹198 plan:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ₹198 |
| Validity | 28 days |
| Daily Data | 2GB (both 4G and 5G where available) |
| Total Data | 56GB over 28 days |
| Voice Calls | Unlimited to any network nationwide |
| SMS | 100 per day (2,800 total) |
| 5G Access | Included at no extra cost |
| Roaming | Free incoming calls while roaming |
| OTT Benefits | None |
| Additional Perks | Access to Airtel Thanks app rewards |
At less than ₹7.1 per day, the plan offers significant value, especially considering the inclusion of 5G capabilities that typically come with higher-priced plans from other operators.
Target Audience: Who Benefits Most?
The ₹198 plan is strategically positioned to appeal to several distinct user segments:
1. Budget-conscious Smartphone Users
For those looking to maximize value without exceeding monthly telecom budgets, this plan offers essential services at an affordable price point.
2. Students and Young Professionals
With 2GB daily data, the plan adequately serves educational needs such as online classes, research, and project work, while also accommodating social media usage and entertainment.
3. 5G Early Adopters
Users who have invested in 5G-capable devices but are hesitant to pay premium prices for 5G plans now have an economical entry point to experience next-generation network speeds.
4. Moderate Data Consumers
The plan is ideal for users whose daily consumption ranges between 1-2GB, striking a balance between data sufficiency and cost-effectiveness.
“This plan perfectly suits my needs as a college student,” says Arjun Sharma, a University student from Delhi. “I get enough data for attending online lectures and watching tutorial videos, plus unlimited calling to stay in touch with family – all without burning a hole in my pocket.”
Competitive Landscape: How Does It Stack Up?
To understand the positioning of Airtel’s ₹198 plan in the broader market, here’s a comparative analysis with similar offerings from Airtel itself and its major competitors:
Comparison with Other Airtel Plans
| Plan | Price | Daily Data | Validity | Voice Calls | SMS/Day | 5G | OTT Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Plan | ₹198 | 2GB | 28 days | Unlimited | 100 | Yes | None |
| Basic Plan | ₹239 | 1.5GB | 28 days | Unlimited | 100 | Yes | Airtel Xstream |
| Mid-tier Plan | ₹265 | 1GB | 28 days | Unlimited | 100 | Yes | Airtel Xstream |
| Premium Plan | ₹299 | 2GB | 28 days | Unlimited | 100 | Yes | Wynk Music + Xstream |
Comparison with Competitor Plans (Similar Price Range)
| Operator | Plan | Price | Daily Data | Validity | Voice Calls | 5G Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airtel | New Plan | ₹198 | 2GB | 28 days | Unlimited | Yes |
| Jio | Similar Plan | ₹209 | 1GB | 28 days | Unlimited | Yes |
| Vi | Similar Plan | ₹225 | 1.5GB | 28 days | Unlimited | Limited areas |
| BSNL | Similar Plan | ₹187 | 2GB | 28 days | Unlimited | No |
This comparison highlights the competitive edge of Airtel’s ₹198 plan, offering more daily data than similarly priced plans from rivals, while maintaining essential features like unlimited calling and 5G compatibility.
Data Value Analysis
The true value of a prepaid plan often lies in its cost-per-GB metric. Here’s how the ₹198 plan measures up:
| Metric | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Total Data | 2GB × 28 days | 56GB |
| Cost per GB | ₹198 ÷ 56GB | ₹3.54 per GB |
| Daily Cost | ₹198 ÷ 28 days | ₹7.07 per day |
| Daily Data Cost | ₹7.07 ÷ 2GB | ₹3.54 per GB per day |
At approximately ₹3.54 per GB, this plan offers excellent data value, especially considering the inclusion of 5G speeds where available.
5G Availability and Requirements
While the plan includes 5G access, users need to be aware of certain prerequisites to leverage this advanced network technology:
Requirements for 5G Access:
- Compatible Device: A 5G-enabled smartphone that supports Airtel’s 5G bands
- Location Coverage: Presence in an area where Airtel has deployed 5G services
- SIM Compatibility: A 4G SIM card (most current Airtel SIMs are already 4G-enabled)
Current 5G Deployment Status:
Airtel has been aggressively expanding its 5G footprint across India, with primary focus on metropolitan areas and major cities. The company has announced plans to achieve nationwide 5G coverage by the end of 2025, making this plan increasingly valuable as coverage expands.
“We’re witnessing rapid 5G adoption across urban centers,” noted telecom analyst Prashant Singhal. “Airtel’s strategy of offering affordable 5G plans like the ₹198 option will likely accelerate this trend, especially among younger, tech-savvy users.”
Activation and Recharge Methods
Subscribing to the ₹198 plan is straightforward, with multiple channels available for user convenience:
| Recharge Method | Process |
|---|---|
| Airtel Thanks App | Login → Recharge → Select ₹198 plan → Complete payment |
| Airtel Website | Visit airtel.in → Enter mobile number → Choose ₹198 plan → Pay |
| Third-Party Apps | Open PhonePe/Paytm/Google Pay → Mobile Recharge → Enter number → Select operator and ₹198 plan → Complete transaction |
| Physical Stores | Visit any Airtel store or authorized retailer with your mobile number |
Users are encouraged to verify the plan details before completing the recharge, as offers may vary slightly by region.
Plan Limitations and Considerations
While the ₹198 plan offers significant value, potential subscribers should be aware of certain limitations:
What’s Not Included:
- No OTT Subscriptions: Unlike higher-priced Airtel plans, this doesn’t include access to streaming platforms
- Data Throttling: After exhausting the daily 2GB limit, speeds reduce to 64Kbps until quota reset
- International Benefits: The plan doesn’t include international roaming or calling benefits
- Carry Forward: Unused data from the daily quota doesn’t carry over to the next day
“For users who don’t prioritize OTT subscriptions and can manage with 2GB daily data, this plan represents excellent value,” comments consumer technology expert Ritesh Kumar. “However, heavy streamers or those requiring international connectivity should consider alternatives.”
User Experience and Network Quality
A plan’s true value ultimately depends on the quality of service delivered. Airtel’s network has consistently performed well in independent speed tests, particularly in urban areas. The company’s ongoing investment in infrastructure continues to enhance both coverage and performance.
Recent network quality surveys have positioned Airtel favorably in terms of call connectivity, data speeds, and overall reliability. With the ongoing 5G rollout, users of the ₹198 plan in covered areas can expect substantial improvements in browsing, streaming, and download experiences.
Long-term Value Proposition
As India’s telecom landscape evolves, particularly with the expansion of 5G services, plans like Airtel’s ₹198 offering represent an important bridge between affordability and advanced connectivity. This balance is especially crucial in a price-sensitive market where value for money remains a primary consideration for most consumers.
Industry observers note that such competitively priced 5G-inclusive plans will likely become the new norm as operators seek to migrate more users to next-generation networks while maintaining competitive pressure on rivals.
Conclusion: Balancing Budget and Performance
Airtel’s new ₹198 monthly plan successfully addresses the growing demand for affordable yet feature-rich mobile connectivity. By offering 2GB of daily data with 5G support, unlimited voice calling, and SMS benefits at a competitive price point, the plan caters to a broad spectrum of users – from students and young professionals to budget-conscious consumers looking to experience 5G without premium pricing.
As the telecom industry continues its transition toward 5G as the standard, plans like this will play a crucial role in democratizing access to advanced network technologies while ensuring that basic communication needs remain affordable for the average Indian consumer.
For users seeking balanced benefits without excessive costs, particularly those in areas with Airtel 5G coverage, the ₹198 plan represents one of the most compelling options in the current prepaid market.
FAQs
How much daily data does Airtel’s ₹198 plan offer? The plan provides 2GB of high-speed data per day for 28 days, totaling 56GB.
Does the ₹198 Airtel plan support 5G connectivity? Yes, the plan includes 5G access at no additional cost in areas where Airtel 5G is available.
Are there any OTT subscriptions included in the ₹198 Airtel plan? No, this budget-friendly plan does not include any OTT platform subscriptions.
Suneel Yadav is a passionate writer known for captivating stories that blend imagination and reality. Inspired by travel, history, and everyday moments, Pari crafts narratives that resonate deeply with readers.