Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecom operators, has launched specialised voice and SMS-only prepaid recharge plans following the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)’s recent mandate. This move addresses the needs of consumers who rely on basic connectivity, such as feature phone users and secondary SIM users.
TRAI’s Mandate and Airtel’s Response
Last month, TRAI introduced the twelfth amendment to the Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations, requiring telecom operators to offer standalone Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) for voice and SMS services, devoid of bundled data benefits. Airtel is the first operator to implement this mandate, setting a precedent in the telecom industry.
Airtel’s New Prepaid Plans
Airtel is reportedly revamping two existing plans to comply with the TRAI directive:
- ₹509 Plan:
- Offers unlimited local and roaming voice calls.
- Includes 900 free SMS.
- Valid for 84 days.
- Notably, the earlier version of this plan included 6GB of data, which is now excluded.
- ₹1,999 Plan:
- Provides unlimited voice calls.
- Includes 3,600 free SMS for the entire validity period.
- Valid for 365 days.
Both plans cater to users who do not require internet services, ensuring affordability and utility for specific consumer segments.
Additional Benefits
Reports suggest that Airtel may include supplementary perks with these plans, such as:
- Apollo 24/7 Circle membership for health-related services.
- Free Hello Tunes, adding value to the recharge vouchers.
Once the SMS limit is exhausted, users will reportedly be charged Re. 1 per local SMS and Rs. 1.5 per STD SMS, similar to existing tariffs.
Pricing and Availability
As of now, Airtel has not officially listed these plans on its website or the Airtel Thanks app. Pricing adjustments, if any, have not been disclosed. However, the plans are expected to roll out soon, bringing clarity on whether the prices will remain the same as the earlier bundled data versions or see modifications.
Industry Implications
This development follows TRAI’s extensive discussions with stakeholders, addressing tariff availability, validity, and clarity for consumers. With Airtel leading the way, other telecom operators like Jio and BSNL may follow suit, expanding the options for voice and SMS-only users in the market.
By tailoring its offerings to meet diverse consumer needs, Airtel ensures inclusivity and compliance while addressing the evolving demands of India’s telecom landscape.
Read more Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Launched
