News · eGov
Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea have launched dedicated voice-only prepaid plans in India, giving customers affordable calling options without bundled mobile data, in line with TRAI guidelines.
✦ AI SUMMARY 30-second read
- Jio has introduced six voice-only prepaid recharge plans starting at Rs. 147, with no regular mobile data benefits.
- Vi has launched four voice-only plans priced between Rs. 179 and Rs. 206, each offering unlimited domestic calling and 300 SMS.
- The plans follow a TRAI directive requiring telecom operators to offer separate voice and SMS recharge options.
Why it matters: Feature-phone users, senior citizens and Wi-Fi-first subscribers can now avoid paying for mobile data they do not use.
This summary was generated by AI. Editors may review and update it.
Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have rolled out dedicated voice-only prepaid recharge plans in India, offering customers a way to stay connected for calls and SMS without paying for mobile data bundles.
Jio's plans start at Rs. 147, while Vi's entry-level option is priced at Rs. 179. Both operators provide unlimited voice calling and SMS benefits, with validity periods varying across plans.
The launches come as Airtel had already introduced similar offerings, meaning all three major operators now carry dedicated voice-only packs for prepaid subscribers.
What was announced
Jio has introduced six voice-only recharge options designed to cover both short-term and long-term validity requirements. None of these plans include regular mobile data allowances. One of the options, priced at Rs. 197, follows the recharge calendar date, allowing renewal on the same date the following month.
Vi has launched four voice-only plans ranging from Rs. 179 to Rs. 206. All four include unlimited domestic calling and 300 SMS, with the primary difference between them being the validity period offered.
Background
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had directed telecom operators to make separate voice and SMS recharge packs available to subscribers. The regulator's intent is to ensure affordable connectivity options for those who do not require mobile data.
Voice-only plans are particularly relevant for feature-phone users, senior citizens, and people who primarily rely on Wi-Fi for internet access and have little use for cellular data allowances.
What it means for subscribers
Customers who currently recharge with bundled plans solely for calling benefits can now opt for plans that reflect their actual usage, potentially at a lower cost.
With Jio, Vi and Airtel all offering dedicated voice-only packs, the segment of users who need only calls and SMS has a broader range of choices across operators.