Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 19: Bharti Airtel has rolled out three prepaid recharge options for customers who need calling and SMS services but do not require mobile data. Priced at Rs 185, Rs 203 and Rs 206, the plans arrive ahead of the October 21 deadline set by the TRAI for separate voice-and-SMS packages.
The lowest-priced option costs Rs 185 and remains valid for 28 days. Subscribers get unlimited local, STD and roaming calls, along with 300 SMS. No mobile data allowance is included. This makes the pack an option for users who primarily depend on voice calls and text messages.
For Rs 18 more, customers can choose Airtel’s Rs 203 plan. This carries the same calling and SMS benefits as the entry-level recharge. Its 30-day validity provides two additional days of service compared with the Rs 185 pack.
Airtel’s third recharge is priced at Rs 206 and includes unlimited local, STD and roaming calls, plus 300 SMS, without a data allowance. It comes with one-month validity. All three plans also provide complimentary HelloTunes.
The new offerings follow TRAI’s direction to telecom operators to make special tariff vouchers available without bundled mobile data. The requirements include a 30-day validity option, a monthly renewal facility and at least one longer-validity plan for subscribers who do not need internet services.
Reliance Jio offers two comparable recharges: Rs 448 for 84 days and Rs 1,748 for 336 days. Both include unlimited voice calls and SMS without mobile data. Airtel’s new packs have lower upfront prices, while Jio’s options cater to customers seeking longer periods between recharges.
