Telcos push 28-day packs, keep OTT benefits for 30-day plans

Indian telecom operators are increasingly steering prepaid users towards 28-day “monthly” plans, effectively squeezing out an extra recharge cycle each year. Industry analysts point out that while a calendar year has 12 months, 28-day validity forces subscribers to recharge 13 times annually, translating into higher effective spending for the same continuity of service. Consumer advocates and some policymakers have flagged this as a subtle way of raising tariffs without explicitly increasing headline plan prices.

At the same time, telcos are differentiating sharply between their 28-day and full 30-day or one‑month offerings. While users can buy similar data and voice add-ons on both types of packs, access to bundled OTT platforms is increasingly ring‑fenced for the costlier 30‑day plans. This makes the true monthly packs more attractive for subscribers keen on entertainment benefits, even as the 28‑day plans remain the default choice pushed on recharge menus and promotional communication.

The government has recently urged operators to promote clear 30‑day plans more prominently, citing customer confusion and the financial impact of the 13‑recharge structure. Regulators are also examining whether plan presentation and marketing need tighter guidelines to ensure users fully understand how often they are paying over a year.

CT Bureau