TRAI Rule: How Long Will Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL SIMs Work Without Recharge?
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new guidelines that offer significant relief to mobile users by standardizing SIM validity periods. This initiative allows users to keep their SIM cards active for extended durations without frequent recharges, thus saving money and offering convenience, especially for those managing multiple numbers or on tighter budgets.
Hereโs a detailed breakdown of the new validity rules for major telecom providers:
Jio SIM Validity
- Grace Period: 90 days without recharge.
- Incoming Calls: Incoming call services during this period vary based on the last recharge amount. Some users may retain incoming call functionality for up to a month, while others may lose it after a week or even a day.
- After 90 Days: If thereโs no recharge, the SIM is permanently deactivated and reallocated to another user.
- Reactivation: Users must purchase a reactivation plan to resume services.
Airtel SIM Validity
- Grace Period: 60 days without recharge.
- Post-Grace Action: Users need to recharge with a minimum validity plan (starting as low as โน45) to retain their mobile number.
- Deactivation: After 60 days without recharge, the SIM may be permanently disconnected.
Vi (Vodafone Idea) SIM Validity
- Grace Period: 90 days without recharge.
- Recharge Requirement: A minimum validity plan of โน49 is needed after this period to continue using the number.
- Deactivation: Failure to recharge after 90 days will result in disconnection.
BSNL SIM Validity
- Longest Grace Period: 180 days without recharge, making BSNL the most generous telecom provider in terms of SIM validity.
- Convenience: Users who prefer infrequent recharges or have secondary numbers can benefit the most from BSNLโs extended validity.
New TRAI Rules: Enhanced Convenience
TRAIโs new validity guidelines aim to simplify SIM management and reduce the burden of frequent recharges. These rules provide significant flexibility for users juggling multiple numbers or those on budget constraints.
Key benefits include:
- Extended Validity: Longer periods without mandatory recharges.
- Cost Efficiency: Avoid unnecessary expenses on frequent low-value recharges.
- User Safety: Telecom operators have also been directed to implement the Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) service to curb fake calls and improve security by displaying the callerโs verified name.
Tips for Users
- Track Your Validity: Keep an eye on your SIMโs grace period to avoid unexpected disconnections.
- Plan Recharges Wisely: Opt for validity recharges that align with your usage patterns.
- Consider BSNL for Secondary Numbers: If you need a SIM for infrequent use, BSNL offers the best grace period.
