Reliance Jio has unveiled a new plan catering to users who rely only on voice calls and text messages (SMS). This launch, alongside price cuts to existing plans, comes in response to Airtel’s similar moves and customer complaints about the high cost of such plans. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has also recently announced its intent to review voice and SMS-only recharge plans, prompting major telecom players like Jio, Airtel, and Vi to revise their offerings.
Jio New Voice and SMS-Only Plans
- Jio’s Rs 1748 Annual Plan
- This newly launched plan provides unlimited voice calls and 3600 SMS with a validity of 336 days.
- It is priced at Rs 1748, compared to the earlier Rs 1958 plan that offered the same benefits but with a longer validity of 365 days.
- Jio’s Revised Rs 448 Plan
- Jio has reduced the price of its existing plan from Rs 458 to Rs 448.
- It offers unlimited voice calls and 1000 SMS, with no changes in benefits.
These changes aim to make voice and SMS plans more affordable for users who do not require bundled data options.
Airtel Adjustments to Voice and SMS Plans
Airtel has also responded with price cuts for its basic recharge plans:
- 84-Day Plan
- The price of this plan has been reduced from Rs 499 to Rs 469, a reduction of Rs 30.
- It includes voice and SMS benefits targeted at non-data users.
- Annual Plan (365 Days)
- The price of this plan has been reduced from Rs 1959 to Rs 1849, offering a saving of Rs 110 for users.
Context of These Changes
These updates reflect a shift in telecom companies’ strategies to address consumer demand for affordable voice and SMS-only plans. TRAI’s review and customer feedback have pressured telecom providers to reduce prices and introduce more focused options for non-data users.
This trend also signals healthy competition among telecom giants like Jio, Airtel, and Vi, ultimately benefiting consumers with cost-effective solutions.
