NEW DELHI:
Bharti Airtel has introduced three voice-only prepaid recharge plans, offering unlimited calling and SMS without bundled mobile data, ahead of a regulatory deadline set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The three plans are priced at Rs 185, Rs 203 and Rs 206. The Rs 185 pack comes with a validity of 28 days, while the Rs 203 plan is valid for 30 days. The Rs 206 plan offers calendar-month validity. All three plans include unlimited local and national voice calls and 300 SMS, according to details reported by the company.
The plans are intended to provide an option for customers who primarily use their phones for calling and text messages rather than internet access. Such offerings could be particularly useful for feature-phone users, senior citizens and customers who have a separate data connection or do not need mobile data on their primary number.
The launch comes after TRAI asked telecom operators to ensure the availability of voice-and-SMS-only plans. The regulator had set October 21 as the compliance deadline for operators, including Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea.
The move follows concerns that customers who do not need data should not have to pay for bundled services they rarely use. Dedicated voice-only plans give subscribers greater choice in selecting a recharge according to their usage requirements.
The new packs are listed on Airtel’s app for prepaid customers. Consumers should check the terms and availability applicable to their number and telecom circle before recharging, as plan conditions may vary.