Airtel Rolls Out Voice-Only Prepaid Plans After Telecom Regulatory Mandate

In response to the new government telecom regulations, Bharti Airtel is the first telecom operator to offer prepaid plans that solely allow voice and text messages. The three plans, which are priced at INR 185, INR 203, and INR 206, are being released just days before the deadline set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on October 21. Operators were given this deadline to meet its revised standards.

In addition to the plans being available on the Airtel website and app, Airtel confirmed the launch to various media outlets. The new options are designed for users who use their phones for calls and texts and don't need bundled mobile data, according to the business. During their respective validity periods, all three include 300 SMS in addition to unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls.

Airtel’s New Offerings to Subscribers

The most affordable package, with a validity period of 28 days, is INR 185. Nevertheless, the same calling and SMS benefits are available for a period of 30 days with an INR 203 recharge. Moreover, a package that provides 300 SMS in addition to unlimited calling is available for INR 206. Unfortunately, there is no set 30-day validity period; instead, it is calendar-month valid. Customers can set a caller song without paying extra with all three plans' complimentary HelloTunes.

In September 2026, TRAI unveiled the new structure, and telecom carriers, including Airtel and Reliance Jio, were given 30 days to comply. Operators are obligated to provide special tariff vouchers that just include voice and SMS, without bundled mobile data, as per the laws. There could be more alternatives for validity time, such as shorter packs, monthly renewal, and a longer option, among others.

Customers’ Complaints Forced TRAI to Step-In

Anxieties over consumers overpaying for unused mobile data prompted TRAI to impose its requirement. This is especially important for people who use feature phones, since many of them use them for basic communication. If users primarily use Wi-Fi or have a second SIM card for calls only, the new options might be a good fit.

By customising their recharge to their phone's usage, customers can avoid paying for data they don't actually need. Since all three of Airtel's plans include unlimited talk and text, the only real distinction is the length of time each plan is good for. Users have the option to select a duration of 28 days, 30 days, or a calendar month based on their preference. In September, the regulator required operators to provide special tariff vouchers for voice calls and SMS at a reduced cost, without the inclusion of bundled data services. The service provided must also offer special tariff vouchers (STVs) with an appropriate reduction in tariff, exclusively for voice and SMS, as stated by TRAI.