New Delhi: Debt-ridden telecom operators Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel both said on Monday evening that they would raise the prices they charge for mobile services from next month in an attempt to grapple with the ongoing financial crisis in the sector. “To ensure that its customers continue to enjoy world-class digital experiences, Vodafone Idea will suitably increase the prices of its tariffs effective December 1, 2019,” Vodafone Idea company said in a statement put out on Monday evening. “The acute financial stress in the telecom sector has been acknowledged by all stakeholders and a high level Committee of Secretaries (CoS) headed by the Cabinet Secretary is looking into providing appropriate relief,” the statement added .The company, however, did not disclose the quantum of tariff hike that it is currently planning.Airtel’s announcement came just hours after its counterpart and noting that it would “suitably increase the prices of its tariffs” from December 1.Also read: Situation Critical: Vodafone’s Future in India May Be in Doubt after SC Ruling“We understand that TRAI is likely to initiate a consultation for bringing rationality in pricing in the Indian mobile sector which has been operating at prices that have been eroding the viability of the sector,” Airtel said in its statement.Last week, both companies posted a combined loss of Rs 74,000 crore in Q2 after provisioning for an unfavourable Supreme Court verdict on adjusted gross revenue (AGR). Government sources told The Wire that it is likely that a debate on a ‘floor pricing’ for telecom tariffs would soon take place.Currently, in India, mobile tariffs (both voice and data) are under ‘forbearance’, which means that individual operators have complete freedom in fixing rates. They are only required to report their tariff plans to the telecom regulator within a week of launch. However, the government panel that was set up last month to look into helping provide relief measures to the telecom industry has mooted the idea of a minimum charge or ‘floor tariff’ for voice and data services that would ensure the financial health and viability of the industry.Airtel’s statement indicates that India’s telecom regulator may kick off a debate on whether such a ‘floor tariff’ should exist. Government officials The Wire spoke to said that while it could help ensure competition within the sector, it could also hamper Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Digital India’ vision as it would raise prices for mobile and digital services.