Indian Telecom Sector Shifts Focus to Voice and SMS-Only Plans
The Indian telecom sector is undergoing a significant transformation as major players Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel introduce voice and SMS-only prepaid recharge plans while revising their pricing strategies. This shift comes in response to increasing consumer demand for affordable options and regulatory oversight from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The Need for Voice and SMS-Only Plans
Traditionally, Indian telecom providers have bundled data services with their prepaid plans, leaving customers who primarily rely on voice calls and SMS—such as elderly users and rural populations—paying for data they don’t need. In response to mounting complaints, TRAI issued guidelines mandating standalone voice and SMS recharge options. This led providers like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea (Vi) to introduce revised plans catering specifically to this underserved segment.
TRAI has acknowledged these developments, stating, “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.”
Reliance Jio’s Voice and SMS-Only Plans
Jio’s Rs 1,748 Recharge Plan
Reliance Jio has revised its Rs 1,958 plan, now priced at Rs 1,748. Key details include:
- Validity: 336 days (29 days less than the previous plan)
- Benefits: Unlimited voice calls and 3,600 SMS
- Additional Perks: Access to JioTV, JioCinema (non-premium), and JioCloud
- Effective Cost: Rs 5.20 per day
While the price reduction aims to enhance affordability, the shorter validity has drawn some criticism for diluting the overall impact.
Jio’s Rs 448 Recharge Plan
Jio has also revised its Rs 458 plan to Rs 448, offering:
- Validity: 84 days
- Benefits: Unlimited voice calls and 1,000 SMS
- Additional Perks: Access to JioTV, JioCinema (non-premium), and JioCloud
- Effective Cost: Rs 5 per day
Though there are no changes to the benefits, the reduced price maintains its appeal for short-term users.
Jio Republic Day Offer 2025
As part of its seasonal marketing strategy, Jio introduced the Republic Day Offer, providing a 100% value-back deal on its Rs 3,599 annual plan. Features include:
- Voice & SMS: Unlimited calls and 100 SMS per day
- Data: 2.5GB per day, with unlimited usage at 64 kbps after the limit
- Additional Perks: Unlimited 5G benefits and access to Jio apps
- Partner Discounts: Offers on AJIO, EaseMyTrip, Tira, and Swiggy
Bharti Airtel’s Voice and SMS-Only Plans
Airtel’s Rs 1,849 Recharge Plan
Airtel’s annual plan, previously priced at Rs 1,959, now costs Rs 1,849. Key details include:
- Validity: 365 days
- Benefits: Unlimited voice calls and 3,600 SMS
- Additional Perks: Airtel Rewards, including Apollo 24/7 Circle membership and free Hello Tune service
- Effective Cost: Rs 5.06 per day
Unlike Jio, Airtel has retained the full-year validity, providing a stable and long-term option.
Airtel’s Rs 469 Recharge Plan
The revised Rs 469 plan, previously priced at Rs 499, offers:
- Validity: 84 days
- Benefits: Unlimited voice calls and 900 SMS
- Additional Perks: Apollo 24/7 Circle membership and free Hello Tune service
- Effective Cost: Rs 5.58 per day
This plan provides a slightly lower upfront cost while maintaining its feature set.
Vodafone-Idea (Vi) Offerings
Vi has introduced a single voice and SMS-only 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 beyond the limit
Vi’s plan is a budget-friendly alternative but falls short in terms of validity when compared to Jio and Airtel.
Choosing the Right Plan
While Jio’s plans are more cost-effective, Airtel offers additional perks such as Apollo 24/7 membership and Hello Tunes, making it an attractive option for users seeking added value. Vi’s offerings, though economical, may appeal to users with shorter validity needs.
As TRAI continues to monitor these developments, further revisions in pricing and offerings are expected, ensuring that consumers have access to affordable, voice-focused prepaid plans tailored to their needs.