Airtel Launches Three Voice-Only Recharge Plans After TRAI Order: Are They Really Cheaper?

For users who have two SIM cards but use mobile data on only one, these plans could offer an alternative to paying for data they do not need. However, a comparison with Airtel’s existing data-inclusive recharge options suggests that the savings may be limited.

Under the new rules, telecom companies must offer Voice and SMS-Only Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs). The prices of these plans must also be reasonably lower than those of packs that include data. The objective is to make recharges without data more affordable, as some existing plans without data have offered little difference in price compared with regular recharge packs.

Following TRAI’s order, Airtel has become the first operator to introduce such plans.

The Rs 185 Airtel Voice-Only plan comes with a validity of 28 days and offers unlimited local, STD and roaming calls, along with 300 SMS. Customers looking for a 30-day validity option can choose the Rs 203 plan. This means paying an additional Rs 18 for two extra days compared with the Rs 185 recharge.

For users who prefer a full 31-day validity period, Airtel offers the Rs 206 plan. This recharge provides 31 days of validity, allowing customers to manage their monthly calling requirements without a bundled data allowance. All three Voice-Only plans also include free Hello Tunes, in addition to calling and SMS benefits.

However, the price difference becomes less significant when these plans are compared with Airtel’s data-inclusive recharge options.

A check on the Airtel app shows that the cheapest plan offering data costs Rs 199. It comes with a validity of 28 days, 2GB of data and unlimited calling.

This makes the Rs 199 data-inclusive plan just Rs 14 more expensive than the Rs 185 Voice-Only plan, even though both offer the same 28-day validity and unlimited calling. The Rs 199 recharge also includes subscriptions to Adobe Express Premium and Airtel Xstream Play.

For customers who need only calling and SMS, the Rs 185 plan provides an option without bundled data. However, those who could use 2GB of data may find the Rs 199 plan worth comparing, given the relatively small price difference and the additional subscriptions included.

Airtel’s three new Voice-Only plans mark a response to TRAI’s requirement for separate voice and SMS recharge options. Whether they offer meaningful savings will ultimately depend on how much customers value data access and the additional benefits available with the operator’s regular recharge plans.