Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have introduced more affordable prepaid recharge options following a directive from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The new voice-and-SMS-only plans are designed for customers who primarily use their mobile phones for calling and messaging and do not require bundled mobile data.
The move aims to give consumers greater flexibility by separating mobile connectivity from data services, allowing subscribers to maintain an active mobile connection at a lower cost.
TRAI Mandate Pushes Telecom Operators to Offer Cheaper Plans
TRAI directed telecom operators to introduce standalone voice and SMS recharge vouchers with shorter validity periods. The objective is to reduce the financial burden on consumers who do not regularly use mobile internet.
Previously, many prepaid recharge options bundled voice calls, SMS and data benefits together. This meant customers who primarily needed calling facilities often had to pay for data services they rarely used.
Under the revised approach, subscribers can choose voice-and-SMS-only plans and purchase separate data vouchers whenever required.
Jio’s Rs 147 Plan Offers 22 Days of Validity
Reliance Jio’s cheapest highlighted option is priced at Rs 147 and provides 22 days of service validity.
The plan includes unlimited voice calling and 300 SMS. It does not include mobile data, although customers can purchase separate data vouchers to meet their internet requirements.
The recharge works out to approximately Rs 6.68 per day, making it an option for subscribers looking for short-term connectivity without bundled data.
Airtel’s Rs 185 Plan Provides 28 Days of Validity
Bharti Airtel offers its highlighted voice-and-SMS-only recharge at Rs 185, with a validity of 28 days.
The plan includes unlimited voice calls and 300 SMS. Subscribers do not receive bundled mobile data but can purchase additional data packs separately.
The effective daily cost works out to approximately Rs 6.61, slightly lower than Jio’s Rs 147 option on a per-day basis.
Vi Offers a Rs 142 Recharge With 28 Days of Validity
Vodafone Idea’s highlighted entry-level option is priced at Rs 142 and comes with 28 days of service validity.
Like the competing offerings, the plan provides unlimited voice calling and 300 SMS without bundled mobile data.
At approximately Rs 5.07 per day, it is the least expensive of the three highlighted options when calculated on a daily basis.
Voice-Only Plans Target Budget-Conscious Users
The new recharge options are particularly relevant for feature-phone users, senior citizens, secondary SIM holders and customers who primarily depend on Wi-Fi for internet access.
By separating data services from basic connectivity, telecom operators are expanding the choices available to prepaid subscribers.
Summary
Jio, Airtel and Vi have introduced affordable voice-and-SMS-only prepaid plans following TRAI’s mandate. Jio offers a Rs 147 plan with 22 days of validity, Airtel provides Rs 185 for 28 days, while Vi’s highlighted Rs 142 option also offers 28 days. None includes bundled data, allowing customers to purchase internet vouchers separately.
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