India’s leading telecom providers, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, have introduced updated prepaid plans aimed at catering to voice- and SMS-only users. This move addresses growing consumer demand for affordable plans and complies with regulatory guidelines issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The revision comes as TRAI urged telecom providers to introduce standalone voice and SMS options, ensuring affordability for users who don’t require heavy data usage, particularly in rural areas and among senior citizens. Let’s take a detailed look at the new offerings:
Updated Prepaid Plans
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Jio Plan Highlights
- ₹1,748 Plan: Jio offers unlimited calls, 3,600 SMS, and Jio app access for 336 days at ₹5.20/day. This caters to long-term users who need a cost-effective solution, although reduced validity compared to earlier plans has been noted.
- ₹448 Plan: A short-term, 84-day plan with unlimited calls and 1,000 SMS at ₹5/day. Perks include JioTV, JioCinema, and JioCloud services.
Airtel Plan Highlights
- ₹1,849 Plan: Airtel’s updated annual plan offers unlimited calls, 3,600 SMS, Apollo 24/7 Circle membership, and free Hello Tunes for ₹5.06/day. The full-year validity makes it a great option for stability.
- ₹469 Plan: An 84-day plan offering similar benefits for ₹5.58/day, appealing to users seeking a lower upfront cost.
Also Read, Airtel Launches Special Prepaid Voice and SMS Plans
Vodafone-Idea (Vi) Plan
Vi’s ₹1,460 plan has 270-day validity but offers only 100 SMS without additional benefits, making it a budget-friendly choice with limited features.
Which Plan Should You Choose?
While Jio's plans have the lowest daily costs and include entertainment apps, Airtel offers added benefits like Apollo 24/7 and Hello Tunes, making it ideal for users seeking premium perks. Vi focuses on affordability but lacks substantial features.
These revised plans provide better value for customers, ensuring choices tailored to diverse needs.