Airtel has launched two new prepaid plans tailored for voice and SMS-only services in India, in compliance with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) December 2024 directive. These plans aim to cater to the specific needs of consumers, particularly the elderly and those in remote areas, offering more affordable and simplified options without data benefits.
Key Highlights:
Airtel’s new prepaid plans are priced at ₹499 and ₹1,959.
Both plans focus on voice and SMS services without data allowances.
TRAI’s mandate has increased validity limits for special and combo vouchers from 90 to 365 days.
Airtel has also revised the pricing for some of its existing prepaid plans.
Airtel ₹499 Prepaid Plan
The ₹499 prepaid plan offers the following benefits:
Unlimited Voice Calls: Local, STD, and roaming calls across India.
900 SMS: Included during the plan’s validity.
Validity: 84 days.
Additional Perks:
One free Hellotune per month.
Three months of Apollo 24|7 Circle subscription.
Previously, this plan was priced at ₹509 and included 6GB of data along with Airtel Xstream app access. However, the new version is designed specifically for those who need only voice and SMS services.
Airtel ₹1,959 Prepaid Plan
For those seeking a longer-term solution, Airtel’s ₹1,959 plan includes:
Unlimited Voice Calls: Local, STD, and roaming.
3,600 SMS: Valid throughout the plan period.
Validity: 365 days.
Additional Perks:
One free Hellotune per month.
Three months of Apollo 24|7 Circle subscription.
Previously priced at ₹1,999, the older version of this plan offered 24GB of data along with Airtel Xstream app benefits.
Revised Prepaid Plans
In addition to introducing the voice and SMS-only plans, Airtel has increased the prices of its data-inclusive prepaid plans:
Airtel ₹548 Plan
Old Price: ₹509
New Price: ₹548
Benefits:
7GB of data.
Unlimited voice calls and 900 SMS.
84 days validity.
One free Hellotune per month and three months of Apollo 24|7 Circle subscription.
Airtel ₹2,249 Plan
Old Price: ₹1,999
New Price: ₹2,249
Benefits:
30GB of data.
Unlimited voice calls and 3,600 SMS.
365 days validity.
One free Hellotune per month and three months of Apollo 24|7 Circle subscription.
TRAI’s December 2024 Mandate
The introduction of these plans follows TRAI’s directive from December 23, 2024. The order requires telecom operators to offer special tariff vouchers with voice and SMS-only benefits, ensuring subscribers only pay for the services they use.
Key aspects of the mandate include:
Making telecom services more accessible for senior citizens and rural users.
Increasing the maximum validity of special and combo vouchers from 90 days to 365 days.
Conclusion
Airtel’s move to introduce voice and SMS-only prepaid plans reflects a customer-focused approach while adhering to TRAI’s directive. These plans provide a simplified option for users who prioritize calls and messaging over data. With additional perks like Hellotunes and Apollo 24|7 Circle subscriptions, Airtel continues to offer value-added services.
As telecom operators adapt to TRAI’s mandates, we may see similar offerings from competitors, making telecom services more inclusive and versatile.
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