Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL Beware! Your SIM Might Stop Working If You Don't Follow This TRAI Rule
A new TRAI ruling has been enforced to ensure SIMs don't remain inactive beyond a certain period of time.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced revised guidelines aimed at providing extended validity for SIM cards from leading telecom operators, including Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL. These rules are expected to benefit users who often forget to recharge their secondary SIMs by ensuring longer activation periods and minimising the frequency of recharges. However, users should also keep in mind the maximum period of inactivity allowed by leading telcos, as per TRAI rules, before their SIM gets deactivated.
Maximum Period for SIM Card Validity
Jio SIM Validity
Jio users can now enjoy uninterrupted service for 90 days without recharging. Incoming call services during this period may vary depending on the last recharge plan. After the 90-day window, users must activate their number with a reactivation plan to avoid disconnection.
Failure to recharge beyond this period will result in the number being permanently deactivated and reallocated.
Airtel SIM Validity
Airtel has introduced a similar policy, keeping SIMs active for over 90 days without a recharge.
After this period, users are granted a 15-day grace period to reactivate their number. If no recharge is made within the grace period, the SIM will be deactivated and reassigned.
Vi SIM Validity
For Vi customers, SIM cards will also remain active for 90 days without recharge.
To maintain activation after this period, users must recharge with a minimum plan of Rs 49.
BSNL Offers the Longest Validity
BSNL leads the pack by offering the most extended activation period.
Users can keep their BSNL SIM active for up to 180 days without recharging, making it a suitable option for those looking to avoid frequent top-ups.
Minimum Recharge Required
In cases where a SIM has been inactive for 90 days, users can extend its validity for an additional 30 days by ensuring a prepaid balance of Rs 20. This amount will be automatically deducted to keep the SIM active. However, if the balance is insufficient, the number will be deactivated and made available for new users.
These new TRAI regulations are designed to reduce the hassle of frequent recharges while helping users save money. By tailoring validity options to different usage patterns, TRAI is addressing the needs of both primary and secondary SIM users.
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