Jio Data Vouchers Won’t Work with Voice and SMS-Only Plans
Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator by market share, has sparked controversy with its new voice and SMS-only plans. Consumers were already displeased with these offerings, as evident from the backlash online. Now, a fresh revelation has added to their frustration—Jio has officially confirmed that data vouchers will not work with these plans.
No Data Add-Ons for Jio Voice-Only Users
TelecomTalk has verified that Jio will prevent users subscribed to voice and SMS-only plans from adding data vouchers. This confirmation came directly from Jio’s official support handle, JioCare, on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Responding to a user query, JioCare stated:
“We offer Data-Only Packs (₹11/₹19/₹29/₹49/₹175/₹219/₹289/₹359) that provide data with a limited validity. If you wish to use data, you can recharge with any one of these packs. However, please note that Data Boosters or Data Add-On packs (₹69/₹139) cannot be recharged if you only have a Voice and SMS plan active on your account.”
Breakdown of Jio’s Voice and SMS Plans
Jio currently offers two standalone voice and SMS plans:
- ₹448 Plan: Valid for 84 days, includes unlimited voice calls and a limited number of SMS.
- ₹1748 Plan: Valid for 336 days, also includes unlimited voice calls and limited SMS benefits.
However, the major drawback is clear: subscribers of these plans won’t be able to recharge with data packs when they need mobile data.
What About Vodafone Idea and Airtel?
Unlike Jio, its rivals Vodafone Idea (Vi) and Bharti Airtel allow users to recharge with data vouchers on top of their voice and SMS plans.
- Vodafone Idea: Confirmed that voice and SMS-only users can still add data packs.
- Airtel: Follows the same approach, permitting users to top up their plans with data vouchers.
Jio’s Unique Restriction Could Frustrate Users
With this move, Jio is the only major telecom operator blocking data vouchers on voice-only plans. The restriction limits flexibility for consumers who may not need a full-fledged data plan but might want occasional internet access.
