Reliance Jio has rolled out new Voice and SMS-only prepaid plans following directives from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). This move aligns with TRAI's recommendation for telecom companies to offer Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) exclusively for voice and SMS services, enabling customers to pay only for what they need. The revamped offerings are tailored to cater to specific segments, including senior citizens and rural users.
Key Highlights Of Jio's New Plans
Rs 458 Voice-Only Plan
This entry-level plan offers unlimited voice calls and 1,000 SMS, valid for 84 days. Subscribers also get complimentary access to Jio apps like JioTV, JioCinema (non-premium), and JioCloud.
Notably, this plan is Rs 21 cheaper than its predecessor, which was priced at Rs 479 but included 6GB of data alongside voice and SMS benefits. The updated version removes the data component, focusing solely on voice and messaging services.
Rs 1,958 Annual Voice-Only Plan
For users seeking long-term solutions, this annual plan provides unlimited voice calls and 3,600 SMS, valid for 365 days. It also includes access to Jio apps. The price has increased by Rs 59 compared to the earlier Rs 1,899 plan, which offered 336 days of validity along with 6GB of data.
While the data component has been removed, the updated plan extends the validity by 29 days, maintaining voice and SMS benefits.
Discontinued Plans, Data Add-Ons
With these updates, Jio has phased out its Rs 189 'Value' plan, which included unlimited voice calls, 300 SMS, and 2GB of data. Now, Jio's 'Value' category focuses solely on the two new Voice and SMS-only plans. Subscribers needing data can purchase standalone data packs to complement these offerings.
Why Did Jio Announce New Plans?
These changes suggest a shift in Jio's pricing strategy, focusing on segmented user needs rather than overall cost reductions. While some users may miss the bundled data benefits, the simplified plans aim to serve those prioritising voice and messaging services.