JIO vs Airtel vs Vodafone: Comparison of new voice and SMS-only plans
Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone have launched new voice and SMS-only plans, catering to consumer demand for affordable options. TRAI's guidelines ensure these revised plans focus on voice and messaging, with competitive pricing and unique benefits from each provider.
JIO vs Airtel vs Vodafone: The Indian telecom industry is experiencing a major shift, with leading providers like Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea (Vi) launching new voice and SMS-only recharge plans. These plans come as a response to growing customer demand for affordable options and guidelines from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
Traditionally, telecom companies bundled data services with prepaid plans, forcing customers to pay for data they might not need. This was particularly inconvenient for older users and those in rural areas who mainly use voice calls and SMS. After complaints, TRAI instructed telecom providers to introduce standalone voice and SMS recharge plans. In response, Jio, Airtel, and Vi introduced updated plans for this customer segment.
TRAI's Statement on Voice and SMS-Only Plans
TRAI recently addressed the launch of these new plans, saying, ¡°It has come to the notice of TRAI that a few providers have introduced voice and SMS-only recharge packs. These will be reviewed as per regulatory guidelines, and the providers will need to report them to TRAI within seven working days from the launch.¡±
Jio¡¯s Voice and SMS-Only Plans
Jio¡¯s Rs 1,748 Recharge Plan
Reliance Jio has revised its Rs 1,958 annual plan to Rs 1,748. Key details:
| Validity: | 336 days (29 days shorter than the older plan) |
| Benefits: | Unlimited voice calls and 3,600 SMS |
| Extras: | Free access to JioTV, JioCinema (non-premium), and JioCloud |
| Daily Cost: | Rs 5.20 |
This plan provides a long-term, budget-friendly option, though some users feel the shorter validity lessens its overall value.
Jio¡¯s Rs 448 Recharge Plan
Jio also revised its Rs 458 plan to Rs 448. Here are the features:
| Validity: | 84 days |
| Benefits: | Unlimited voice calls and 1,000 SMS |
| Extras: | JioTV, JioCinema (non-premium), and JioCloud |
| Daily Cost: | Rs 5.00 |
Though the price has dropped, the benefits remain unchanged, making it a popular choice for short-term users.
Jio Republic Day Offer 2025
Jio has also launched a Republic Day Offer on its Rs 3,599 annual plan:
| Voice & SMS: | Unlimited calls and 100 SMS per day |
| Data: | 2.5GB daily, with unlimited use at reduced speed after the limit |
| Extras: | Free 5G benefits and access to Jio apps |
| Partner Discounts: | Offers on AJIO, EaseMyTrip, Swiggy, and Tira |
Airtel¡¯s Voice and SMS-Only Plans
Airtel¡¯s Rs 1,849 Recharge Plan
Airtel has reduced the price of its Rs 1,959 plan to Rs 1,849. Key highlights:
| Validity: | 365 days |
| Benefits: | Unlimited voice calls and 3,600 SMS |
| Extras: | Free Apollo 24/7 membership and Hello Tune service |
| Daily Cost: | Rs 5.06 |
This plan is seen as a steady long-term option, offering full-year validity and good value.
Airtel¡¯s Rs 469 Recharge Plan
Previously priced at Rs 499, this plan now costs Rs 469. Features include:
| Validity: | 84 days |
| Benefits: | Unlimited voice calls and 900 SMS |
| Extras: | Apollo 24/7 membership and Hello Tune service |
| Daily Cost: | Rs 5.58 |
This plan provides affordability for short-term users, with no reduction in features.
Vodafone-Idea¡¯s Voice and SMS-Only Plan
Vi has introduced a single plan for this category:
| Price: | Rs 1,460 |
| Validity: | 270 days |
| Benefits: | Unlimited voice calls and 100 SMS |
| Extra Charges: | Rs 1 for local and Rs 1.5 for STD SMS after the limit |
While budget-friendly, the shorter validity may be a drawback for some users.
Plan Comparison
| Provider | Plan Price | Validity | SMS | Perks | Daily Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jio | Rs 1,748 | 336 days | 3600 | JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud | Rs 5.20 |
| Airtel | Rs 1,849 | 365 days | 3600 | Apollo 24/7, Hello Tunes | Rs 5.06 |
| Jio | Rs 448 | 84 days | 1000 | JioTV, JioCinema, JioCloud | Rs 5.00 |
| Airtel | Rs 469 | 84 days | 900 | Apollo 24/7, Hello Tunes | Rs 5.58 |
| Vi | Rs 1,460 | 270 days | 100 | None | Rs 5.41 |
Jio¡¯s plans are the most cost-effective, especially for short-term users, while Airtel¡¯s offerings include added perks like Apollo 24/7 membership. Vodafone-Idea provides a budget option, but its shorter validity may not suit everyone.
As TRAI continues to monitor pricing and offerings, consumers can expect better access to affordable, voice-focused recharge plans in the future.
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Bhupinder Singh serves as a Principal Executive in Content Management, specializing in SEO content related to trending financial news, net worth of celebrities, historic events, and art and culture. His passion for cricket shines through in his work and personal interests. In his free time, Bhupinder enjoys discussing cricket legends like MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, as well as following the IPL.
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