New Delhi — Mobile subscribers across India could soon notice steeper bills, with a recent Centrum Institutional Research study estimating a 12%‑15% tariff lift over the next four‑to‑five months.

Drivers Behind the Expected Rise

Centrum points out that the Indian telecom arena has become highly concentrated, leaving only three private giants to command the market. With competition thinning, the conditions are ripe for carriers to nudge prices upward.

Subscriber Growth Outlook

The report anticipates that the trio—Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea—will continue to add users in the July‑September 2026 quarter.

  • Jio may attract roughly 8 million new connections.
  • Airtel is projected to gain about 3 million wireless customers.
  • Vodafone Idea could enroll close to 1 million additional users despite mounting competitive pressure.

ARPU Forecasts

Rising data usage and the rollout of 5G networks are expected to lift average revenue per user (ARPU) for each provider.

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

5G Expansion Fuels Momentum

Both Jio and Airtel have already extended 5G coverage to more than 95% of India’s districts, now concentrating on boosting compatible device adoption. Vodafone Idea has launched 5G in roughly 200 cities and is steadily widening its footprint.

What Customers Should Keep an Eye On

No operator has officially announced a price increase yet. The 12%‑15% hike remains a forward‑looking analyst estimate that could materialise within the next few months. Should the forecast come true, users might encounter higher recharge amounts or revised plan structures, so it’s prudent to await formal notifications before drawing conclusions.