Highlights

• Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have introduced new mobile plans focusing on voice and SMS services.
• It follows TRAI guidelines to address non-data service demands.
• Jio offers several revised plans including the Rs 1,748 annual plan, Rs 448 plan and a special Rs 3,599 Republic Day Offer.
• Revised plans include various benefits like unlimited calls, SMS, and app access.
• Airtel has also updated its plans to include the Rs 1,849 annual plan and Rs 469 plan.
• Both Airtel plans offer unlimited calls and SMS.
• Vodafone-Idea provides a single voice and SMS plan for Rs 1,460 with 270 days validity.

India’s telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have introduced updated mobile plans focusing on voice and SMS services reflecting consumer demand for affordable and non-data options. These changes also align with regulatory guidelines from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), which mandated standalone voice and SMS plans to address complaints from users who don’t require data services.

Telecom providers bundled data with prepaid recharge plans for years and have been forcing customers especially elderly users and rural populations to pay for services they didn’t need. Responding to this, TRAI issued new guidelines requiring voice and SMS-specific recharge options.

TRAI commented, “It has come to notice of TRAI that recently few service providers have launched voice and SMS-only packs which will be reported to TRAI within seven working days from the date of launch. The recently launched vouchers will be examined by TRAI as per extant regulatory provisions.”

Here are the revised plan details –

Jio’s Revised Plans

1. Rs 1,748 Annual Plan

• Validity: 336 days (29 days shorter than the previous Rs 1,958 plan)
• Benefits: Unlimited calls and 3,600 SMS
• Perks: Access to JioTV, JioCinema (non-premium), and JioCloud
• Effective Cost: Rs 5.20 per day
• While this offers long-term savings, the reduced validity may limit its appeal.

2. Rs 448 Plan

• Validity: 84 days
• Benefits: Unlimited calls and 1,000 SMS
• Perks: Access to JioTV, JioCinema (non-premium), and JioCloud
• Effective Cost: Rs 5 per day
• This plan retains its benefits while being slightly cheaper than its earlier Rs 458 pricing.

3. Jio Republic Day Offer 2025

To mark Republic Day, Jio is promoting its Rs 3,599 annual plan with a 100% value-back deal, offering:

• Voice & SMS: Unlimited calls and 100 SMS/day
• Data: 2.5GB/day, unlimited usage at 64 kbps after the daily limit
• Perks: Unlimited 5G and Jio app access
• Partner Discounts: Offers on AJIO, EaseMyTrip, Tira, and Swiggy

Airtel’s Updated Plans

1. Rs 1,849 Annual Plan

• Validity: 365 days
• Benefits: Unlimited calls and 3,600 SMS
• Perks: Airtel Rewards, including Apollo 24/7 Circle membership and free Hello Tunes
• Effective Cost: Rs 5.06 per day
• Unlike Jio, Airtel maintains a full-year validity, making it a more consistent long-term option.

2. Rs 469 Plan

• Validity: 84 days
• Benefits: Unlimited calls and 900 SMS
• Perks: Apollo 24/7 Circle membership and free Hello Tunes
• Effective Cost: Rs 5.58 per day
• This plan offers a lower upfront cost while keeping its original benefits.

Vodafone-Idea’s Voice and SMS Plan

Vi offers a single voice and SMS plan:

• Price: Rs 1,460
• Validity: 270 days
• Benefits: Unlimited calls and 100 SMS
• Additional Charges: Rs 1 for local and Rs 1.5 for STD messages after the SMS limit
• While more affordable upfront, Vi’s shorter validity and fewer perks may not appeal to all users.

Jio’s plans stand out for their cost-effectiveness and additional perks like Jio apps. Meanwhile, Airtel’s plans offer stability with added benefits like Apollo 24/7 membership. The best choice depends on individual needs such as plan duration included features and ecosystem preferences.

FAQs

Q1. Why have Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel introduced new mobile plans?

Answer. Telecom companies introduced new mobile plans focusing on voice and SMS services to reflect consumer demand for affordable and non-data options, aligning with TRAI guidelines to address complaints from users who don’t require data services.

Q2. What are some benefits of Jio’s revised Rs 1,748 annual plan?

Answer. The Rs 1,748 annual plan offers unlimited calls, 3,600 SMS, access to JioTV, JioCinema (non-premium) and JioCloud, with an effective cost of Rs 5.20 per day though its validity is 336 days.

Q3. What does Airtel’s Rs 1,849 annual plan include?

Answer. Airtel’s Rs 1,849 annual plan includes unlimited calls, 3,600 SMS, Airtel Rewards, such as Apollo 24/7 Circle membership and free Hello Tunes, with a full-year validity and an effective cost of Rs 5.06 per day.

Read More: Reliance Jio’s Value Prepaid Plans for 2025: Here’s Your Affordable Options to Keep Your SIM Active

Read More: Prepaid Recharge Plan by Bharti Airtel at Rs 155: Details Inside

Read More:TRAI Extends SMS Traceability Deadline to December 10 for Telecom Operators

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