Indian telecom operators Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have launched updated prepaid recharge plans focused exclusively on voice calls and SMS. This initiative aligns with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) guidelines, aimed at providing affordable options for consumers who primarily use these services without the need for data.
Airtel's Offerings
Airtel has introduced several plans catering to different user needs:₹1,849 Prepaid Plan: This annual plan provides unlimited voice calls and 3,600 SMS over 365 days, costing approximately ₹5.06 per day. It also includes benefits such as Apollo 24/7 Circle membership for three months and free Hello Tunes.₹469 Prepaid Plan: Valid for 84 days, this plan offers unlimited calls and 900 SMS for an effective cost of ₹5.58 per day, along with similar additional benefits as the yearly plan.
Jio's New Plans
Reliance Jio has also announced its offerings to enhance affordability:₹1,748 Prepaid Plan: This plan includes unlimited voice calls and 3,600 SMS with a validity of 336 days at an effective cost of ₹5.20 per day. It also gives the user access to JioCinema’s basic tier subscription.₹448 Prepaid Plan: Available for ₹458, this plan offers unlimited calling and 1,000 SMS over 84 days, making it a competitive option for users seeking basic services without data.
Vi's New Plan
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has also launched two plans:₹1,849 Prepaid Plan: The plan, which comes with a validity of 365 days along with unlimited voice calling and 3,600 SMS, works out to cost ₹5.06 per day. Under this plan users will face charges of ₹1 for local SMS and ₹1.5 for STD SMS after reaching the SMS limit.₹470 Prepaid Plan: This plan comes with a validity of 84 days, offering unlimited calling and 900 SMS. Under this plan too, the SMS charges after the free cap are similar to the ₹1,849 plan.
These new voice and SMS-only recharge plans from Airtel, Jio, and Vi are largely driven by the telecom sector regulator TRAI in response to consumer demand for more tailored services. By eliminating data from these plans, the telecom operators now cater specifically to users who prioritise voice communication and messaging over internet access. As the market evolves, these offerings may set a precedent for future telecom strategies in India.
