To comply with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) recent guidelines, Reliance’s telecom arm Jio has launched two new voice-only prepaid plans, specially designed for users who primarily rely on calling and SMS services.

Recently, TRAI announced bringing back a 20-year-old idea by re-introducing prepaid mobile plans that only offer voice calls or SMS service. The regulator is hopeful that this new option will give users more flexibility to pay only for the services they actually use. TRAI is of the view that this new option will be helpful for elder people and those in rural areas who may only need basic phone services.

“The (TRAI) is of the view that a separate Special Tariff Voucher (STV) for Voice and SMS in addition to existing Data only STV and bundled offers shall be mandated. It is also observed that mandating Voice and SMS-only STV will and bundled offers shall be mandated,” read a notification issued by TRAI.

Jio: New Plans

Jio’s Rs 458 recharge plan offers 84 days of validity, unlimited voice calling, free national roaming, 1,000 free SMS, and access to Jio Cinema, and it’s TV apps, but does not include mobile data benefits. Moreover, this plan is tailored for users seeking short-term recharges.

Jio’s Rs 1,958 recharge plan offers a 365-day validity, unlimited voice calling, free national roaming, 3,600 free SMS, and complimentary access to Jio Cinema, and it’s TV apps, with no mobile data benefits. Moreover, this plan is tailored for users who are willing to have uninterrupted calling benefits for a whole full year.

How TRAI New Guidelines Will Benefit Over 15 Crore Users?

TRAI’s new regulations will ensure that customers can access affordable and efficient voice+SMS packs, which will benefit 150 million (15 crore) users in India who continue to use feature phones with 2G networks.

“In our country, there are many subscribers who do not use smartphones. They have feature phones, and some do not feel comfortable using a smartphone. Therefore, they should have the option to choose a plan that includes only voice and SMS. To give consumers the choice to subscribe to a plan with only SMS, this tariff order and amendment to the regulation have been issued, ensuring that all service providers offer at least one such plan,” CNBC-TV18 earlier quoted Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI.

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