New Delhi — A new study by Centrum Institutional Research suggests that Indian mobile users could encounter tariff hikes of roughly 12%‑15% within the next four to five months.

Drivers Behind Potential Price Increases

Centrum points out that the Indian telecom arena has become highly consolidated, leaving just three private giants to dominate the market. With fewer competitors, operators find it easier to push rates upward.

Projected Subscriber Growth

The report anticipates that the big three—Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea—will keep adding customers during the July‑September 2026 quarter.

  • Jio may attract about 8 million new users.
  • Airtel is expected to gain roughly 3 million subscribers.
  • Vodafone Idea could add close to 1 million customers despite intensified competition.

ARPU Outlook

Rising data demand and broader 5G roll‑out are set to boost average revenue per user for each carrier.

  • Jio’s ARPU might climb ~1% to near ₹218 per month.
  • Airtel’s ARPU could rise about 2% to approximately ₹269 per month.
  • Vodafone Idea’s ARPU is projected to increase around 0.8% to roughly ₹178 per month.

5G Expansion as a Growth Engine

Both Jio and Airtel have already extended 5G coverage to over 95% of India’s districts, now concentrating on driving adoption of 5G‑compatible devices. Vodafone Idea has launched 5G in near 200 cities and continues to broaden its reach.

What Users Should Keep an Eye On

Currently, none of the carriers have officially announced a tariff hike. The 12%‑15% rise remains an analyst estimate that could materialise within the next few months. Should the forecast hold true, consumers might notice higher recharge amounts or altered plan structures, so it’s prudent to await formal notices before drawing conclusions.