Voice Calls Plan Coming Soon Packs from Jio, Airtel, BSNL, and Vi

• Telecom operators mandated to launch SMS and voice-only recharge plans soon.
• TRAI introduces long-term validity up to 365 days for special tariff vouchers.
• Jio, Airtel, BSNL, and Vi consumers to benefit from affordable talktime-only packs.

Telecom sector in India is undergoing a significant change, focusing on customer-centric offerings. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a directive to major telecom operators like Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea and (BSNL) to introduce special tariff vouchers (STVs) catering exclusively to voice calls and SMS. This move comes as a relief for users who do not require data services but wish to keep their connections active.

For a long time, many users have expressed dissatisfaction over being forced to pay for bundled data plans they seldom use. With the introduction of these plans, customers will have the option to pay solely for the services they need, offering more flexibility and affordability. This shift is expected to reshape the way Indian telecom operators structure their recharge plans.

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Voice and SMS Plan, Airtel, BSNL, Jio, Vi

TRAI’s decision to mandate SMS and voice-only plans marks a pivotal moment for telecom consumers. These plans aim to serve two distinct user groups: those looking for affordable ways to keep their SIM active and those seeking long-term validity without paying for unnecessary data. Currently, consumers must pay around ₹200 to maintain their SIM card’s active status, but this scenario is set to change soon.

With the new regulations, telecom operators must offer SMS and voice-only STVs with longer validity periods. This means that customers can expect plans with up to 365 days of validity, offering better value for money. These plans are anticipated to provideto rural users, senior citizens, and those with minimal data requirements.

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Key Changes Introduced by TRAI

• Validity Cap Extended: The previous cap of 90 days for STVs has been extended to 365 days, allowing for year-long benefits.
• Color Coding Removed: As online recharges dominate, mandatory color coding of vouchers has been scrapped.
• Flexible Top-Up Options: While a ₹10 top-up option remains mandatory, telecom operators now have flexibility in pricing subsequent top-ups.

Benefits for Consumers

This initiative is likely to make telecom services more inclusive and cost-effective. Subscribers can look forward to tailored recharge options that match their specific needs, be it occasional voice calls or regular SMS services.

Challenges for Telecom Operators

While consumers will undoubtedly benefit, telecom companies may face revenue adjustments as they restructure their offerings. Balancing affordability with profitability will be key for operators like Jio, Airtel, BSNL, and Vi in the coming months.

The introduction of SMS and voice-only plans is a progressive step towards meeting diverse consumer needs in India. With these plans, users will gain more control over their expenses while enjoying reliable connectivity. As Jio, Airtel, BSNL, and Vi roll out these options, it will be interesting to see how the market evolves and adapts to these changes.

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