Reliance Jio was once praised as the telecom disruptor that made internet access affordable for every Indian. It entered the market with free SIM cards and unlimited data, pulling millions of users into its network almost overnight.
When the free period ended, Jio introduced affordable plans that changed how Indians consumed data. These plans offered internet at rates that were unheard of during the rise of the digital era, making Jio a household name across cities and villages alike.
But things have now taken a different turn. The company has replaced its cheapest Rs 249 plan, which earlier gave 1GB per day for 28 days, with a new minimum Rs 299 plan that offers 1.5GB per day.
While this may look like a minor adjustment, it forces every customer to spend more every month. This small shift brings in massive profits for Jio, while silently increasing the financial burden on ordinary users.
Affordable internet access no longer seems like Jio’s main goal. The move feels like a push to trap customers into paying Rs 299 for services that were once offered free for over a year.
Many of Jio’s users came from low-income backgrounds, thanks to its earlier free internet and SIM offer. The latest change now feels like an extra squeeze on people already struggling with rising costs of living.
This steady increase in prices shows a classic monopoly playbook. At first, lure customers with low prices, then push rivals like Airtel and Vodafone Idea out of competition, and finally raise charges once the market is captured.
What was once called Jio’s visionary leadership for driving digital India has now turned into a profit-driven machinery. For the common man, cheap internet was never a promise; it was bait, and today they are left paying the price.
