Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have introduced dedicated voice-only prepaid recharge plans in India, giving customers more options to stay connected without paying for bundled mobile data. The new offerings follow the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) push for affordable voice and SMS-only packs.
Jio's new plans start at Rs. 147, while Vi's entry-level option costs Rs. 179. Both operators offer unlimited voice calling and SMS benefits, with different validity periods.
Jio has introduced six voice-only recharge options to meet short-term and long-term validity needs. The plans do not include regular mobile data benefits.
Here is the complete breakdown:
| Plan Price | Validity | Calling Benefits | SMS Benefits | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rs. 147 | 22 days | Unlimited calls | 300 SMS | Not specified |
| Rs. 177 | 28 days | Unlimited calls | 300 SMS | Not specified |
| Rs. 196 | 30 days | Unlimited calls | 300 SMS | Not specified |
| Rs. 197 | One calendar month | Unlimited calls | 300 SMS | Not specified |
| Rs. 448 | 84 days | Unlimited calls | 1,000 SMS | Jio apps and OTT benefits |
| Rs. 1,748 | 336 days | Unlimited calls | 3,600 SMS | Complimentary OTT subscriptions |
The Rs. 197 option follows the recharge calendar date, allowing customers to renew on the same date the following month.
Vi has launched four dedicated voice-only plans priced between Rs. 179 and Rs. 206. All four offer unlimited domestic calling and 300 SMS.
The benefits vary mainly by validity:
| Plan Price | Validity | Calling Benefits | SMS Benefits | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rs. 179 | 25 days | Unlimited calls | 300 SMS | Vi Movies & TV access |
| Rs. 185 | 28 days | Unlimited calls | 300 SMS | Not specified |
| Rs. 203 | 30 days | Unlimited calls | 300 SMS | Not specified |
| Rs. 206 | One calendar month | Unlimited calls | 300 SMS | Not specified |
Unlike regular bundled recharges, these plans do not provide daily mobile data allowances.
Also Read: Airtel Postpaid Gets 5-Day Free Roaming Pack for Rs. 499
The new offerings follow TRAI's directive asking telecom operators to provide separate voice and SMS recharge options. The move aims to benefit feature-phone users, senior citizens, and customers who primarily use Wi-Fi for internet access.
With Jio and Vi joining Airtel in offering dedicated voice-only packs, consumers now have more choices to avoid paying for mobile data they rarely use.