Airtel launched three voice-only prepaid plans starting at Rs 185 ahead of the October 21 TRAI deadline. These new packs offer unlimited calls and 300 SMS without bundled mobile data. Customers who do not need internet services got these options to avoid paying for data they never use or need.
Airtel has launched three voice-only prepaid plans starting at Rs 185, offering unlimited calls and 300 SMS without bundled mobile data. The new recharges come ahead of TRAI's October 21 deadline for telecom operators to introduce separate voice-and-SMS plans.
Bharti Airtel has launched three prepaid recharge plans without bundled mobile data, with prices starting at Rs 185. The new packs offer unlimited voice calls and some SMS service, giving customers an option to avoid paying for internet services they may not need. Airtel confirmed the launch to India Today Tech, and the plans are listed on its website and app. Interestingly, Jio already has two voice-only plans but they are cost much more, probably because of the longer validity period.
The launch comes ahead of the October 21 deadline set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for telecom operators to comply with its directive on separate voice-and-SMS-only recharge options. Here are five things to know about Airtel's new prepaid plans.
1. Airtel Rs 185 plan offers 28 days of validity
The Rs 185 recharge is the cheapest among Airtel's three new voice-only plans. It offers unlimited local, STD and roaming calls, along with 300 SMS, for 28 days. The pack does not include any mobile data allowance, making it an option for customers who primarily use their phones for calls and text messages.
2. Rs 203 plan comes with 30-day validity
Airtel's Rs 203 prepaid plan offers the same benefits as the Rs 185 pack, including unlimited calls and 300 SMS, but extends the validity to 30 days. Customers pay Rs 18 more for the additional two days. The plan may suit users who prefer a fixed 30-day recharge cycle rather than a 28-day validity period.
3. Rs 206 recharge offers one-month validity
The third option costs Rs 206 and comes with one-month validity. Like the other two plans, it includes unlimited local, STD and roaming calls and 300 SMS, without bundled mobile data. Airtel is offering all three plans with free HelloTunes, allowing subscribers to set a tune every month at no extra charge.
4. TRAI directive prompts new voice-only options
In September, TRAI directed telecom operators to offer special tariff vouchers for voice calls and SMS without bundled data. The regulator set October 21 as the deadline for implementing the requirement.
The move is intended to give customers who do not need mobile internet a more suitable recharge option. Under the directive, operators must offer voice-only plans with validity of 30 days or less, including a monthly renewal option and at least one longer-validity plan.
5. Jio already offers longer-validity voice-only plans
Reliance Jio also offers voice-only prepaid recharges, but its listed options focus on longer validity periods. Its Rs 448 plan provides 84 days of service, while the Rs 1,748 plan comes with 336 days of validity. Both include unlimited voice calls and SMS without bundled mobile data.
Airtel's new plans offer shorter recharge cycles for customers who want to spend less upfront. The options may appeal to feature phone users, people maintaining a secondary number mainly for calls, and subscribers who rely on Wi-Fi for internet access. Airtel could also introduce a longer-validity voice-only plan later, depending on demand.