Bharti Airtel has emerged as the first major telecommunications provider to introduce dedicated voice-and-SMS-only prepaid options under the latest government directives. Ranging in price from Rs 185 to Rs 206, the trio of new offerings debuts just ahead of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's October 21 deadline requiring compliance with updated industry standards.
Airtel confirmed the rollout, and the options are currently accessible through the company's official digital channels and mobile application. According to the telecom provider, these plans cater specifically to users who depend on their devices for standard voice calls and text messaging without requiring bundled internet data.
All three recharges feature unlimited local, national, and roaming calls alongside 300 text messages throughout their designated validity periods. Additionally, each plan includes complimentary HelloTunes, enabling subscribers to set custom caller melodies at no extra charge.
The entry-level Rs 185 option provides a 28-day service window. Meanwhile, the Rs 203 plan extends identical calling and messaging benefits across a 30-day duration, and the Rs 206 plan utilizes a calendar-month validity structure instead of a fixed day count.
The regulatory framework was established by TRAI in September, granting telecom companies a 30-day window to introduce special tariff vouchers excluding data bundles. The guidelines also stipulate flexible duration choices, encompassing shorter-term packs, monthly renewal models, and extended validity alternatives.
This government mandate was developed to protect consumers who predominantly use basic devices or rely on Wi-Fi connectivity from paying for unwanted internet allocations. By introducing these targeted tariffs, Airtel aims to provide economical alternatives for subscribers maintaining secondary numbers or seeking basic communication services.