Bharti Airtel has introduced three new prepaid plans priced at ₹185, ₹203, and ₹206 that offer unlimited voice calls and SMS without mobile data. These voice-only plans comply with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) recent mandate and are designed for users who primarily use phones for calling and messaging. The plans were launched this week, making Airtel the first operator to roll out such offerings, according to livemint.com.
The ₹185 plan offers 28 days of validity, while the ₹203 plan extends to 30 days for an additional ₹18. The ₹206 plan provides one calendar month of validity and renews on the same date each month. All three plans include unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, along with 300 SMS messages. Subscribers also receive free HelloTunes, allowing them to change their caller tune every 30 days at no extra cost, livemint.com reported.
These plans target subscribers who do not require mobile data, such as feature phone users, customers using a secondary SIM mainly for calls, and those relying on Wi-Fi for internet access. By offering data-free recharge options, Airtel aims to provide a cost-effective alternative for users who do not want to pay for unused data services. This move expands Airtel’s prepaid portfolio and aligns with TRAI’s push for more tailored telecom plans.
The launch of these voice-only plans follows TRAI’s new regulations encouraging operators to offer plans without mandatory data bundles. Airtel’s move sets a precedent in the Indian telecom market, with the ₹185 plan being the most affordable option for voice-centric users. The company’s website lists these plans as available for immediate recharge.