Jio, Airtel voice and SMS-only prepaid plans: Full comparison
Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have rolled out new prepaid plans focusing solely on voice and SMS benefits. This is in response to a directive from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). These plans were introduced after the recent tariff hikes, which made it harder for users to keep their SIM cards active with basic recharges. Both Jio and Airtel have unveiled a range of options catering to different user needs and budgets, offering flexibility with varying validity periods, call, and SMS benefits.
Reliance Jio’s SMS and voice-only plans
Reliance Jio has launched two new prepaid plans with distinct offerings. The Rs 458 plan offers unlimited voice calling and 1000 SMS for 84 days, making it an appealing option for users who prioritise basic communication features over data. This plan balances affordability with decent usage, suitable for people who don’t require internet services.
For long-term users, Jio has also introduced the Rs 1958 plan, which extends benefits for 365 days. This plan includes unlimited calls and a substantial 3600 SMS. With this plan, Jio provides one of the most extended validity periods among its competitors, catering to users who want a long-term solution without worrying about frequent recharges. However, the plan’s focus is strictly on voice and SMS, without any data, which suits those who need only basic telecommunication services.
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Bharti Airtel’s SMS and voice-only plans
Airtel has rolled out four distinct plans, giving users more options depending on their needs. Starting with the Rs 499 plan, Airtel offers unlimited voice calling and 900 SMS for 84 days. This plan is quite similar to Jio’s Rs 458 plan, but Airtel’s additional SMS allocation might be a deciding factor for customers who send a higher number of messages.
The Rs 548 plan takes things up a notch by including 7GB of data alongside the unlimited calls and 900 SMS for 84 days. This is ideal for users who might occasionally need data while focusing mainly on calls and messages.
For those seeking longer-term validity, Airtel’s Rs 1959 plan offers unlimited calling and 3600 SMS for 365 days, mirroring Jio’s Rs 1958 plan, but with Airtel offering an extra data option in some of its other plans.
The Rs 2249 plan offers a premium package with 30GB of data, unlimited calling, and 3600 SMS for 365 days. This plan is designed for heavy users who need a lot of data while still maintaining their voice and SMS needs.
