Summary:
Bharti Airtel has introduced three voice-and-SMS-only prepaid plans priced at Rs 185, Rs 203 and Rs 206, becoming the first telecom operator to roll out shorter-duration options under TRAI’s revised framework. All three offer unlimited local, STD and roaming calls, 300 SMS and complimentary HelloTunes, with validity of 28 days, 30 days and one month, respectively, but no mobile data. The plans cater to feature phone users, secondary SIM holders and customers who rely on Wi-Fi for internet access, providing greater flexibility and avoiding spending on unused data benefits.
Bharti Airtel has become the first telecom operator to roll out shorter-duration prepaid plans offering only voice calls and SMS under TRAI’s revised framework. Priced at Rs 185, Rs 203 and Rs 206, the plans are designed for customers who need calling and messaging services without mobile data benefits.
All three recharges include unlimited local, STD and roaming calls, along with 300 SMS. They offer validity periods of 28 days, 30 days and one month, giving users flexibility in selecting a suitable recharge cycle. The plans are available through Airtel’s app and website.
Airtel Rs 185 Plan Provides 28-Day Validity
The Rs 185 prepaid recharge comes with unlimited local, STD and roaming calls and 300 SMS, valid for 28 days. It does not include mobile data, making it the most affordable of the three options for customers seeking a plan focused exclusively on calls and messaging without paying for unused data benefits.
Airtel Rs 203 Plan Includes 30-Day Validity
Airtel’s Rs 203 plan offers unlimited local, STD and roaming calls, along with 300 SMS, for a validity period of 30 days. Mobile data is not included in this package either.
Compared with the Rs 185 plan, customers pay an additional Rs 18 for two extra days of validity while receiving the same calling and SMS benefits. This option is suitable for users who prefer a standard 30-day recharge cycle.
Airtel Rs 206 Plan Offers One-Month Validity
The Rs 206 prepaid plan provides unlimited local, STD and roaming calls and 300 SMS, with validity extending for one month. Like the other two plans, it does not offer bundled mobile data.
Unlike the Rs 203 recharge, which has a fixed 30-day validity, the Rs 206 option follows a one-month validity period. This gives customers an alternative when selecting a recharge based on their preferred schedule.
All three plans also provide complimentary HelloTunes, enabling subscribers to set a tune once every 30 days without paying an additional fee.
Greater Flexibility for Voice-Centric Users
These new recharges broaden Airtel’s prepaid offerings for customers who mainly use their phones for voice calls and SMS. Potential users include feature phone owners, people maintaining a second SIM primarily for calls, and subscribers who depend largely on Wi-Fi for internet access.
For such customers, bundled mobile data may not be particularly useful. The new plans allow them to pay for the communication services they need while choosing from different validity periods instead of relying solely on longer-duration voice-and-SMS packages.
Shorter validity options also enable users to commit to smaller recharge amounts rather than paying upfront for extended periods. With these additions, Airtel is addressing varied usage requirements and offering greater flexibility to customers who prioritise calling.
The launch follows TRAI’s directive requiring telecom operators to expand voice-and-SMS-only recharge options with appropriate tariff reductions. The framework also calls for shorter-validity packages, a monthly renewal option and at least one plan with a longer validity period.
