The main reason for the expected mobile tariff hikes is that telecom companies like Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel need more revenue to fund network upgrades (like 4G expansion and delayed 5G rollout) and to improve their financial health after years of low prices and heavy investments.

Analysts say these hikes are also part of a broader industry shift toward better monetization and profitability, especially since earlier relief measures and government interventions only partially addressed the financial challenges faced by some operators.

Regulatory changes and the need to keep the sector viable are also pushing companies to raise prices, though entry-level plans may be spared to protect affordability for low-income users.