In response to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) directive, Indian telecom operators Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have introduced SMS and voice-only prepaid plans. This mandate aims to address affordability issues following recent tariff hikes that made it expensive for users to keep their SIMs active. Below is a detailed breakdown of these new plans:
Reliance Jio SMS and Voice-Only Plans
Reliance Jio has rolled out two voice and SMS-only plans:
- ₹458 Plan: Offers unlimited voice calling and 1,000 SMS with 84 days validity.
- ₹1,958 Plan: Offers unlimited voice calling and 3,600 SMS with a validity of 365 days.
Bharti Airtel SMS and Voice-Only Plans
Airtel has introduced four plans catering to voice and SMS-only requirements:
- ₹499 Plan: Unlimited voice calling and 900 SMS with 84 days validity.
- ₹548 Plan: Includes unlimited calling, 900 SMS, and 7GB data for 84 days.
- ₹1,959 Plan: Unlimited voice calling and 3,600 SMS with a validity of 365 days.
- ₹2,249 Plan: Includes 30GB data, unlimited calling, and 3,600 SMS for 365 days.
Vodafone Idea (Vi) SMS and Voice-Only Plan
Vi has introduced a single voice and SMS-only plan:
- ₹1,460 Plan: Offers unlimited calling, 100 SMS, and 270 days validity.
These plans aim to provide cost-effective solutions for users who primarily rely on voice and SMS services, addressing concerns about the affordability of keeping secondary SIMs active post-tariff hikes.
