Bharti Airtel has introduced three new prepaid recharge options that do not include mobile data, with the lowest plan priced at Rs 185. These plans are designed to provide unlimited voice calls and a limited number of SMS, catering to customers who may not require internet services. The company confirmed the launch to India Today Tech, and the details are available on its official website and app.

The introduction of these plans is timely, as it coincides with the October 21 deadline set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). This deadline mandates telecom operators to offer separate recharge options for voice and SMS services without bundled data. Airtel’s move comes as a response to this regulatory requirement.

Overview of Individual Plans

The Rs 185 plan is the most economical option among the three, offering a validity period of 28 days. It includes unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, along with 300 SMS. This plan is particularly suitable for customers who primarily use their phones for voice communication and text messaging.

In addition to the Rs 185 plan, Airtel has introduced a Rs 203 prepaid option, which extends the validity to 30 days. This plan provides the same benefits as the cheaper option, including unlimited calls and 300 SMS. Customers opting for this plan will pay Rs 18 more for the additional two days of validity, making it ideal for those who prefer a standard 30-day recharge cycle.

The third plan, priced at Rs 206, also offers a one-month validity period. Like the other two options, it includes unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, as well as 300 SMS, without any mobile data allowance. All three plans come with the added benefit of free HelloTunes, allowing subscribers to set a tune each month at no additional cost.

Regulatory Context and Market Competition

The recent launch of these voice-only plans is in direct response to a directive issued by TRAI in September. The regulator has instructed telecom operators to provide special tariff vouchers specifically for voice calls and SMS, excluding bundled data. The aim of this directive is to offer more tailored recharge options for customers who do not require mobile internet services.

As part of the TRAI mandate, operators must offer voice-only plans with a validity of 30 days or less, including options for monthly renewal and at least one longer-validity plan. This regulatory push is intended to enhance consumer choice in the prepaid market.

In contrast, Reliance Jio already offers voice-only prepaid plans with longer validity periods. For instance, Jio’s Rs 448 plan provides 84 days of service, while its Rs 1,748 plan offers a substantial 336 days of validity. Both of these options include unlimited voice calls and SMS without any mobile data.

Airtel’s new offerings are designed for customers looking for shorter recharge cycles, potentially appealing to feature phone users or those who maintain a secondary number primarily for voice calls. The company may consider introducing longer-validity voice-only plans in the future, depending on customer demand and market trends.

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