- By Prateek Levi
- Thu, 23 Jan 2025 11:38 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Jio Prepaid Plans: After Airtel, India's largest telecom service provider, Reliance Jio, has also introduced Voice and SMS-only prepaid plans, this move comes against the backdrop of a mandate by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
This might just be a tariff adjustment by Jio and further, the plans are unlikely to become any more cheaper. The introduction of this plan is in response to TRAI's recent directive that mandates telecom operators to introduce separate Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) for SMS and Voice calls, giving customers the freedom to pay only when they require it. Here the bigger picture is to benefit specific segments of consumers, in particular the elderly and those in remote and rural areas.
Rs 458 Voice-Only Plan from Jio
Jio has introduced an entry-level voice-only plan priced at Rs 458, focusing on unlimited voice calls and 1,000 SMS, with a validity period of 84 days. In addition to these core offerings, the plan comes with access to various Jio apps, including JioTV, JioCinema (non-premium), and JioCloud. These app subscriptions likely aim to encourage usage over Wi-Fi or alongside data packs. This plan falls under Jio’s 'Value' category.
Previously, this plan was available at Rs 479, offering unlimited voice calls, 6GB of data (with unlimited data at 64 Kbps once the limit is exceeded), and 1,000 SMS for 84 days. The revised version is Rs 21 cheaper, but it removes the data allowance, maintaining only the voice, SMS, and app benefits.
Rs 1,985 Voice-Only 'Value' Plan
The new yearly Voice and SMS-only plan will now only cost Rs 1,958. It comes with a validity of 365 days which is a whole year, with unlimited calls and 3,600 SMS. Additionally, it will also include access to Jio Apps, like JioTV, JioCinema(non-premium), and JioCloud. This has been categorised as a 'Value' offerings plan by Jio.
Prior to this the plan cost Rs 1,899 and provided a 336-day validity only with unlimited calls, 3,600 SMS, 6GB of data and unlimited 64 Kbps after the data limit was reached. In the current upgrade, there is a price hike of Rs 59, and data is no longer available with the plan, and extended validity by 29 days which retains the voice, SMS and App benefits.
Before this, Jio had on offer three plans under its 'Value' plan category. With the revision of rules, there are now two plans on offer by Jio that exclude data benefits. The third plan which came at Rs 189, and included unlimited voice, 300 SMS, and 2GB of data is no longer on the table for offer. Jio subscribers have the option to use Jio data packs if the user requires additional data over and above the Voice and SMS-only plans.