Airtel Launches Rs. 509 and Rs. 1,999 Voice and SMS-Only Plans: Here’s What You Need to Know

Airtel has introduced new prepaid plans that focus solely on voice and SMS services. These plans, launched in compliance with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) directive, aim to serve users who don't rely heavily on mobile data.

The move primarily targets specific groups such as senior citizens and rural users who prefer straightforward connectivity options.

A Look at the New Plans

Rs. 509 Plan

Airtel's Rs. 509 plan is designed for those who want a short-term option. It offers:

• Unlimited local and roaming calls.

• 900 SMS.

• Validity of 84 days.

For users who need occasional internet access, there's a similar plan for Rs. 569, which includes 6GB of data along with the same voice and SMS benefits. Once the SMS limit is exceeded, charges are Re. 1 per local SMS and Rs. 1.5 for each STD SMS.

The plan also comes with additional perks, including:

• Free access to the Airtel Xstream App for streaming content.

• Apollo 24|7 Circle membership for healthcare services.

• Free Hello Tunes to customize your caller experience.

Rs. 1,999 Plan

For those looking for a long-term option, Airtel's Rs. 1,999 plan offers:

• Unlimited local and roaming calls.

• 3,600 SMS.

• Validity of 365 days.

This plan no longer includes the 24GB of data that was previously offered, but users who need data can opt for the Rs. 2,249 version, which reintroduces the data component while maintaining the other benefits.

Availability

Both the Rs. 509 and Rs. 1,999 plans are now available for recharge on the Airtel Thanks app and the Airtel website. Other telecom operators are expected to follow suit, launching similar plans in compliance with TRAI's mandate.