Voice-Only Plans by Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio: A Response to TRAI’s Affordable Services Mandate

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently introduced guidelines mandating affordable, voice-only plans for users who primarily rely on calling and SMS services. This initiative targets the needs of budget-conscious consumers, particularly the elderly and those in rural areas, who often find themselves paying for bundled data services they don’t use. In response, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have revamped their offerings to comply with these regulations, introducing cost-effective plans with no mobile data benefits.

Bharti Airtel: Revised Plans and Added Benefits

Bharti Airtel has adjusted the pricing of its voice-only plans to align with TRAI’s affordability criteria. Here’s a closer look at its offerings:

1. Annual Plan: The year-long voice-only plan is now priced at ₹1,959, reduced from ₹1,999. It includes 3,600 SMS, providing extensive messaging support throughout the year.
2. 84-Day Plan: The quarterly plan costs ₹499, down from ₹569, and includes 900 SMS.

Added Benefits: Airtel Rewards enhance the value of these plans with:

• A complimentary Apollo 24/7 Circle membership for three months.
• Access to free hello tunes for subscribers.

Reliance Jio: Competitive Pricing and Value-Added Services

Reliance Jio a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has introduced two new plans to cater to the voice-only segment:

1. 84-Day Plan: Priced at ₹458, it includes unlimited voice calling, free national roaming, and 1,000 SMS.
2. Annual Plan: Costing ₹1,958, it provides unlimited calling, 3,600 SMS, and a range of value-added services.

Exclusive Features:

• Access to Jio Cinema and other Jio TV apps adds entertainment options for subscribers.
• No mobile data benefits, ensuring the focus remains on voice and SMS services.

Removed Plans: Jio has discontinued two earlier offerings:

• A ₹1,899 plan with 24GB data and 336-day validity.
• A ₹479 plan featuring 6GB of data and 84-day validity.

TRAI’s Mandate: Empowering Consumers with Choice

OnDecember 26, 2023, TRAI introduced new regulations requiring telecom operators to offer separate Special Tariff Vouchers (STV) for voice and SMS services. The aim was to empower consumers to pay only for the services they require. Key highlights of the mandate include:

1. Affordability: Focused on providing low-cost options for users who do not need data services.
2. Extended Validity: Increased the cap on STV and combo voucher validity from 90 days to 365 days, ensuring greater flexibility for long-term users.
3. Targeted Beneficiaries: These plans are particularly beneficial for rural populations and elderly users who predominantly use basic mobile services.

Addressing a Significant User Base

TRAI estimates that around 150 million Indians rely solely on basic mobile services. These users, many of whom are budget-conscious or live in areas with limited internet access, often end up purchasing bundled plans unnecessarily. The introduction of voice-only plans by Airtel and Jio aims to bridge this gap, providing an economical alternative for these consumers.

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