Following Airtel, Reliance Jio has introduced price levels designed only for phone and SMS services without data. These are categorized as value voice only plans.
Last month, the TRAI ordered separate Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) for Voice and SMS services to help specific user groups, such as older citizens and rural residents, by providing them with more specialized options.
Rs. 458 plan
The Rs. 458 plan offers unlimited local and roaming calls and 1000 SMS with 84 days or 3 months of validity. Airtel’s voice and SMS-only package, in contrast, only provides 900 SMS and costs Rs. 499.
Rs. 1958 plan
The Rs. 1958 plan offers unlimited local and roaming calls and 3600 SMS with 365 days or 1 year of validity. The Rs. 1,899 336 -day validity plan that included unlimited voice, 6GB data and 3600 SMS is not available any more. In comparison, Airtel offers similar benefits as Jio’s Rs. 1958 plan, but it costs Rs. 1959.
Reliance Jio mentions JioTV, JioCinema and JioCloud subscription, and says that JioCinema premium is not included in complementary JioCinema subscription.
Reason behind voice and sms only prepaid plans
Telecom operators are now mandated to offer separate Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) specifically for voice and SMS services. This move is expected to benefit specific user groups, including senior citizens and those residing in rural areas, by providing them with more tailored options.
The validity period for both STVs and Combo Vouchers (CVs) has been extended from 90 to 365 days, offering consumers longer-term plan options. The previous requirement for color-coded vouchers has also been removed, simplifying the voucher landscape.
Restriction on top-up voucher denominations has been lifted. While operators were previously limited to offering top-ups in multiples of Rs. 10, they now have more freedom in denomination choices. However, the requirement to offer at least one top-up voucher at Rs. 10 remains, ensuring accessibility.
Also Read: Jio Introduces New R 349 and Rs 899 Prepaid Plans in India