Keep Your SIM Card Active for 3 Months with Minimum Recharge, Says TRAI

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new guidelines on SIM card validity, offering significant relief to mobile users who often forget to recharge their secondary SIMs. These rules aim to extend the active duration of SIM cards from operators like Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL without frequent recharges, thereby reducing user expenses.   

Jio SIM Validity Rules   

Jio SIM cards will now remain active for up to 90 days without any recharge. However, incoming call facilities may vary during this period based on the user’s last recharge plan. If the user fails to recharge within 90 days, the SIM will be permanently disconnected and reallocated to another user.   

Airtel SIM Validity Rules   

Airtel SIM cards will remain active for over 90 days without recharge, with an additional 15-day grace period to reactivate the number. Failure to recharge during this grace period will result in the SIM being deactivated and reassigned to a new user.   

Vi SIM Validity Rules   

Vi SIM cards will stay active for 90 days without recharge. To maintain the number’s activation after this period, users must recharge with a minimum plan of ₹49.   

BSNL Offers Maximum Validity   

Government-owned BSNL provides the longest validity among operators, with SIMs remaining active for 180 days without recharge. This makes BSNL an excellent choice for users looking to avoid frequent recharges.   

Additional 30-Day Extension for ₹20   

If a SIM remains inactive for over 90 days and the user has a prepaid balance of ₹20, the amount will be deducted to extend the SIM’s activation by an additional 30 days. If the balance is insufficient, the SIM will be deactivated and made available for reassignment.   

These new TRAI guidelines aim to provide greater flexibility and cost savings to mobile users, ensuring better service accessibility and fewer disruptions.