Updated: September 27, 2025

If you were a regular user of Jio’s Rs 249 prepaid plan, you’re not alone in searching for alternatives. The popular Rs 249 plan, which offered 1GB data per day for 28 days, has been discontinued by Reliance Jio as of August 18, making it necessary for millions of subscribers to find suitable replacements.

The discontinued plan was particularly popular among budget-conscious users who needed moderate daily data without breaking the bank. With its removal from Jio’s portfolio, finding the right balance between affordability and data benefits has become crucial for prepaid users across India.

Why Jio Removed the Rs 249 Plan

Reliance Jio silently removed the Rs 249 prepaid plan as a strategic move to boost the company’s Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). This shift reflects the telecom giant’s focus on pushing users toward higher-value plans with enhanced benefits.

The timing coincides with India’s rapid 5G adoption, where users increasingly demand more data for streaming, gaming, and work-from-home requirements. Understanding these market dynamics helps explain why certain budget plans are being phased out.

Top 5 Alternative Plans to Consider

1. Rs 299 Plan – The Direct Upgrade

Validity: 28 days
Daily Data: 1.5GB
Additional Benefits: Unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS/day, True 5G access

The Rs 299 plan is now the most affordable option available on Jio’s website, offering 1.5GB daily data. This plan provides 50% more daily data than the discontinued Rs 249 option, making it excellent value for just Rs 50 extra.

Why Choose This Plan:

• Seamless transition from Rs 249 with enhanced data
• Access to True 5G networks in covered areas
• Complimentary JioTV and JioCinema subscriptions
• Perfect for moderate social media and streaming usage

2. Rs 349 Plan – The Sweet Spot

Validity: 28 days
Daily Data: 2GB
Additional Benefits: Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, enhanced app benefits

The Rs 349 plan includes 2GB daily data for 28 days with unlimited 5G data access. This plan hits the sweet spot between affordability and generous data allocation.

Key Advantages:

• Double the daily data compared to the old Rs 249 plan
• Ideal for heavy Instagram, YouTube, and Netflix mobile users
• JioCloud storage benefits included
• No speed throttling until daily limit exhaustion

3. Rs 198 Plan – The Budget-Friendly Choice

Validity: 14 days
Daily Data: 2GB
Additional Benefits: Unlimited calling, 100 SMS/day

For those wanting more flexibility, the Rs 198 plan offers 2GB daily data for 14 days. While the validity is shorter, the per-day cost remains competitive.

Best Suited For:

• Users who prefer shorter commitment periods
• Testing higher data limits before committing to monthly plans
• Temporary high-data requirements
• Students during exam periods needing extra data

4. Rs 449 Plan – The Power User Option

Validity: 28 days
Daily Data: 3GB
Additional Benefits: JioHotstar mobile subscription, unlimited calling

Reliance Jio’s Rs 449 plan offers 3GB daily data, unlimited calling, and free access to JioHotstar mobile. This plan represents exceptional value for entertainment enthusiasts.

Unique Benefits:

• Triple the data of the original Rs 249 plan
• Free Hotstar mobile subscription worth Rs 149/month
• Perfect for binge-watchers and sports fans
• Suitable for mobile hotspot sharing

5. Rs 155 Plan – The Ultra-Budget Alternative

Validity: 28 days
Daily Data: None (2GB total)
Additional Benefits: Unlimited calling, 300 SMS total

For extremely light data users, the Rs 155 plan provides basic connectivity with unlimited calling. While it doesn’t offer daily data like the Rs 249 plan, it maintains essential communication features at minimal cost.

Ideal Scenarios:

• Primary focus on voice calls
• Wi-Fi available at home and office
• Secondary SIM requirements
• Senior citizens with minimal data needs

Comparing Value: What You Get for Your Money

When evaluating these alternatives, consider your actual usage patterns. All current Jio plans offer unlimited True 5G data where available, with speeds dropping to 64Kbps after exhausting the daily 4G limit.

Cost Per GB Analysis:

• Rs 299 plan: Rs 7.14 per GB
• Rs 349 plan: Rs 6.25 per GB
• Rs 198 plan: Rs 7.07 per GB
• Rs 449 plan: Rs 5.35 per GB

The Rs 449 plan offers the best value per GB, while the Rs 299 plan provides the smoothest transition from the discontinued Rs 249 option.

Hidden Benefits Most Users Overlook

Complimentary App Subscriptions

Every plan includes access to Jio’s suite of apps. Standard benefits include JioTV and JioAICloud apps subscriptions with most plans. These add significant value beyond just data and calling.

True 5G Access

Unlike the older Rs 249 plan, all current alternatives include True 5G access in covered areas. This means unlimited 5G data without consuming your daily 4G quota – a game-changer in metro cities.

Flexibility in Validity Options

Modern Jio plans offer various validity periods. Choose between 14-day, 28-day, or longer-term options based on your budget cycle and usage predictability.

Making the Smart Switch: Decision Framework

Choose Rs 299 if:

• You were comfortable with Rs 249’s features
• You need slightly more data occasionally
• Budget increase of Rs 50 is manageable

Choose Rs 349 if:

• You frequently exhausted 1GB daily data
• Video streaming is part of daily routine
• Work involves regular video calls

Choose Rs 449 if:

• Entertainment is a priority
• You share mobile hotspot regularly
• Hotstar subscription adds value

Special Considerations for Different User Groups

Students and Young Professionals

The Rs 349 plan strikes the perfect balance, offering enough data for educational content, job searches, and entertainment without straining limited budgets.

Families with Multiple Connections

Consider mixing plans – Rs 449 for primary users and Rs 299 for secondary connections. This optimizes overall family spending while meeting varied needs.

Senior Citizens

The Rs 155 or Rs 299 plans work best, focusing on reliable calling with sufficient data for WhatsApp and occasional browsing.

Future-Proofing Your Choice

Telecommunication trends indicate continued plan evolution. Current plans emphasize 1.5GB or higher daily data as the new standard. Choose plans that align with growing data consumption patterns rather than just current needs.

Consider these factors:

• 5G coverage expansion in your area
• Increasing app data requirements
• Video calling becoming standard communication
• Work-from-home data demands

Conclusion: The Best Alternative Depends on You

While Jio’s decision to discontinue the Rs 249 plan initially seems limiting, the alternatives offer better value propositions for most users. The Rs 299 plan emerges as the most logical successor, providing 50% more data for just 20% additional cost.

For maximum value, the Rs 449 plan with entertainment benefits stands out. Budget-conscious users should consider the Rs 198 plan’s flexibility or the Rs 155 plan’s basic connectivity.

Remember to evaluate your actual usage through your Jio app before switching. Understanding your consumption patterns ensures you choose a plan that provides optimal value without overspending on unused benefits.

The telecommunication landscape continues evolving rapidly. Stay informed about new plan launches and seasonal offers to maximize your mobile recharge value.

Sources:

• Reliance Jio Official Website
• Telecom Talk Industry Analysis
• Business Today Technology Reports
• Cashify Mobile Plans Database