Looking to keep your number active without paying for data? You’re in luck. Airtel, Jio, and Vi now offer budget-friendly recharge plans that skip the data and focus on what really matters—validity, calling, and SMS.
Why the sudden change?
Earlier this year, TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) asked telcos to introduce affordable, data-free plans—especially to support users with basic or feature phones. The idea? Help users who just want to keep their SIM active without having to pay for expensive data they don’t use.
Now, Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have all rolled out new prepaid plans with up to 365 days of validity, offering just the basics: voice calls and SMS.
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Airtel Data-Free Plans
Airtel is offering two no-data plans:
- ₹469 Plan (84 days)
Unlimited voice calls, 900 SMS, free roaming. - ₹1849 Plan (365 days)
Same benefits as above, but lasts a full year with 3600 SMS included.
Great for: Users who need long validity and just want to receive OTPs or make basic calls without worrying about data.
Jio Data-Free Plans
Jio’s options are similar, just a little cheaper:
- ₹448 Plan (84 days)
Unlimited calls, 1000 SMS. - ₹1748 Plan (336 days)
Unlimited voice calling and 3600 SMS.
Note: Jio’s long-term plan is valid for 336 days, not a full year—but it’s still a solid deal.
Vi (Vodafone Idea) Plans
Vi is keeping things simple too:
- ₹470 Plan (84 days)
- ₹1849 Plan (365 days)
Benefits? Same as Airtel’s. Unlimited calling, roaming, and SMS.
Vi and BSNL Losing Customers, Jio & Airtel Gaining Ground
While these plans are great news for budget-conscious users, not all telcos are thriving. According to TRAI’s latest data for June, Vodafone Idea and BSNL lost over 2 lakh subscribers each—continuing a trend from May.
In contrast, Airtel and Jio are gaining users, thanks in part to strong network coverage and better plan variety.
Read More :- Jio’s Budget-Friendly Plans Under ₹300: Unlimited Calls, Daily Data & More!
Should You Get One of These?
If you’re someone who:
- Uses a feature phone
- Just wants to keep a number active for OTPs
- Has a backup SIM
- Wants to avoid paying for unused data
…then these new data-free, long-validity plans are a smart choice.
Final Thoughts
It’s refreshing to see telecom companies finally offering plans that match real user needs—especially for folks who don’t need fancy apps or tons of data. Whether it’s for your parents, a spare SIM, or your own minimalist phone setup, these budget plans are worth checking out.
