- Jio, Airtel, and Vi have revised their minimum recharge plans, making them more expensive.
- Keeping your SIM card active now requires a minimum recharge every month.
- New recharge plans come with data, unlimited voice calling, and SMS benefits.
Keeping your SIM card active has become a bit pricier lately. The major telecom operators in India – Airtel, Jio, and Vi – have all hiked the prices of their minimum recharge plans. This change affects everyone who uses these networks, making it essential to understand the new pricing and benefits.
Gone are the days when you could simply keep a SIM card active without much thought. Today, to keep your SIM card functioning, you need to perform regular recharges, and these recharges now cost more than they did before. Let’s break down the details of these new minimum recharge plans from Jio, Airtel, and Vi, and see what each one offers.
SIM Activation minimum recharge plans
Airtel SIM Active minimum recharge plan
Airtel’s minimum recharge plan now costs Rs 199, a slight increase compared to previous rates. This plan provides the following benefits:
- Price: ₹199
- Data: 2GB
- Calls: Unlimited local, STD, and roaming
- SMS: 100 per day
- Validity: 28 days
- Additional Benefits: Free Hellotune, Wynk Music
Airtel users get more daily SMS compared to Jio, along with some additional perks like free Hellotunes and access to Wynk Music.
Jio SIM Active minimum recharge plan
Reliance Jio has increased the price of its minimum recharge plan. To keep your SIM operational, you’ll now need to spend Rs 189. Here’s what you get with this plan:
- Price: ₹189
- Data: 2GB total at high speed (post which unlimited at 64 Kbps)
- Calls: Unlimited voice calling
- SMS: 300
- Validity: 28 days
- Additional Benefits: Access to JioTV, JioCinema, and JioCloud
Despite the price hike, Jio still offers a comprehensive plan that includes essential services like data, calling, and SMS, along with additional subscriptions to their suite of apps.
Vi SIM operational minimum recharge plan
Vodafone Idea (Vi) also hiked its prices, with the minimum recharge plan now set at Rs 199. The details of this plan are:
- Price: ₹199
- Data: 2GB
- Calls: Truly unlimited
- SMS: 300
- Validity: 28 days
- Additional Benefits: Data tariff post-quota at 50p/MB, SMS post-quota at Re 1 local, Rs 1.5 STD per SMS
Airtel, Jio and Vi minimum recharge plans comparison
| Plan | Airtel Minimum Recharge Plan | Jio Minimum Recharge Plan | Vi Minimum Recharge Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹199 | ₹189 | ₹199 |
| Data | 2GB | 2GB total | 2GB |
| Calls | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Validity | 28 days | 28 days | 28 days |
| SMS | 100/day | 300 | 300 |
| Additional Benefits | Free Hellotune, Wynk Music | JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud | Data tariff at 50p/MB post-quota, SMS at Re 1 local, Rs 1.5 STD post-quota |
If there is no usage (including voice/video calls, outgoing SMS, data usage, or Value Added Services) for a continuous period of 90 days or more, Telecom Operator reserves the right to deactivate the mobile number, as outlined below:
Important Notes
- If the main account balance is more than Rs. 20 at the end of the 90-day non-usage period, the Automatic Number Retention Scheme will be activated. Rs. 20 will be deducted, and the non-usage period will be extended by 30 days. This process will continue until the balance drops below Rs. 20, after which the number will be deactivated.
- To reactivate a deactivated Jio mobile number due to non-usage, a payment of Rs. 20 must be made within 15 days of deactivation. Failure to pay this fee within the specified period will result in disconnection of the number.
In conclusion, while all three providers have increased their prices, each offers slightly different benefits. Jio might be slightly cheaper but provides less daily SMS compared to Airtel. Vi matches Airtel’s price but includes different post-quota charges. Your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
FAQ
What is the new minimum recharge plan for Jio?
The new minimum recharge plan for Jio costs Rs 189 and includes 2GB of data, unlimited calls, and 300 SMS with a validity of 28 days.
How much does Airtel’s minimum recharge plan cost now?
Airtel’s minimum recharge plan now costs Rs 199, offering 2GB of data, unlimited calls, and 100 SMS per day for 28 days.
What benefits does Vi’s minimum recharge plan offer?
Vi’s minimum recharge plan, priced at Rs 199, includes 2GB of data, unlimited calls, and 300 SMS with a 28-day validity, along with post-quota charges for data and SMS.
