If you only use your phone for calls and SMS, your prepaid recharge is about to get cheaper to pick. India’s telecom regulator has made voice and SMS-only plans mandatory, and the rule takes effect on 21 October 2026.
The Thirteenth Amendment from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India was published on 21 September and gives operators 30 days to comply. Airtel has already moved first, while Jio and Vi list longer-validity vouchers.
More on this topic: TechnoSports TRAI coverage.
Key Details at a Glance
| Operator | Plan | Validity | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airtel | Rs 185 | 28 days | Unlimited calls, 300 SMS, no data |
| Airtel | Rs 203 | 30 days | Unlimited calls, 300 SMS, no data |
| Airtel | Rs 206 | Calendar month | Unlimited calls, 300 SMS, no data |
| Jio | Rs 448 | 84 days | Voice and SMS only |
| Jio | Rs 1,748 | 336 days | Voice and SMS only |
| Vi (Maharashtra) | Rs 470 | 84 days | Voice and SMS only |
| Vi (Maharashtra) | Rs 1,849 | 365 days | Voice and SMS only |
What the TRAI rule requires
Operators must offer voice and SMS-only vouchers valid for 30 days or less, a calendar-month option, and at least one longer-validity equivalent. TRAI rejected compulsory data bundling, noting that it could raise costs for users who do not need data.
A separate TRAI order dated 1 October also requires a ‘TRAI-Mandated Packs’ section as the first tab on prepaid recharge apps, websites and retail outlets. It covers Airtel, Jio, Vi and BSNL, so these plans should become easier to find.
Airtel is first with three plans
Airtel’s Rs 185, Rs 203 and Rs 206 packs all include unlimited local, STD and roaming calls, 300 SMS and free HelloTunes. The only difference is validity: 28 days, 30 days or a calendar month.
For a secondary SIM or an elderly family member who never uses data, these are cheaper than most bundled plans, though you should compare against your current pack before switching.
Jio and Vi: longer validity, no short packs yet
As of 19 October, Jio and Vi had listed only long-validity voice-SMS vouchers, and neither had a sub-monthly plan visible. Neither operator had added the dedicated TRAI-Mandated Packs tab yet.
Expect both to update their apps before or on 21 October. Prices on operator pages can vary by circle, so check your own number’s recharge page.
What it means for you
Users who keep a second SIM only for OTPs and calls can now pay for exactly that. Those who need a mobile data pack will still have to buy a bundled plan or a separate data voucher.
Read our earlier coverage on Airtel plans for more recharge comparisons.
Quick Answers
When do the voice-only plans start?
The TRAI amendment takes effect on 21 October 2026.
Do these plans include data?
No. They include calls and SMS only.
Which operator has launched plans?
Airtel has Rs 185, Rs 203 and Rs 206 packs; Jio and Vi list long-validity vouchers.
Source: The Week, Business Today.
