TRAI Rules: Jio, BSNL, Airtel, Vi Users Can Keep Their SIMs Active For Up To 90 Days For Just Rs 20 Daily Kiran

In a country where dual-SIM smartphones are the norm rather than the exception, millions of mobile users in India rely on a secondary SIM card. Whether for network backup, emergencies, or availing better tariffs, these secondary SIMs often sit idle for extended periods. However, following recent price hikes in recharge plans, maintaining inactive SIMs has become a costly affair for many users. Fortunately, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced provisions that simplify this challenge, ensuring affordability and convenience for subscribers.

Under the TRAI guidelines, users of major telecom operators, including Jio, BSNL, Airtel, and Vi, can keep their SIM cards active for up to 90 days with minimal effort and cost—a nominal fee of just Rs 20.

The 90-Day Rule: A Boon for Secondary SIM Users

The TRAI consumer handbook clearly outlines the guidelines for SIM card activation and deactivation. According to these rules, a SIM card is classified as inactive if it hasn’t been used for 90 consecutive days. Usage, as per TRAI’s definition, includes outgoing or incoming calls, text messages, data usage, or engagement with value-added services such as payments.

If a SIM remains unused for this three-month period, the operator will deduct Rs 20 from the prepaid balance to extend its validity for an additional 30 days. However, if there is insufficient balance in the account, the SIM will be deactivated, resulting in the loss of connectivity and rendering the number available for reassignment to new users.

This nominal fee of Rs 20 is a significant relief for users who wish to maintain their secondary SIMs without incurring high recharge costs. However, it’s important to note that once deactivated, reactivating a SIM might involve additional steps and may not guarantee the retention of the same mobile number.

What Happens After 90 Days of Inactivity?

For users who inadvertently let their secondary SIM cards fall into the inactive category, TRAI has introduced a grace period of 15 days. During this window, users can reach out to their respective telecom operators to reactivate their SIMs. This process may involve contacting customer care, visiting a company store, or, in some cases, completing a minimal recharge to resume services.

The grace period is particularly helpful for users who may have forgotten about their backup SIM or were unable to use it due to travel or other circumstances. It ensures that users have ample time to safeguard their SIMs from permanent deactivation.

Understanding Non-Usage: What Counts as Inactivity?

TRAI’s definition of “non-usage” is straightforward but comprehensive. It includes the absence of:

Outgoing Calls: Making phone calls, even sporadically, is considered usage.
Incoming Calls: Receiving calls keeps the SIM active.
Text Messages: Sending or receiving SMS counts as activity.
Data Usage: Engaging in internet sessions or apps that consume data.
Value-Added Services: Transactions, payments, or subscription renewals.

Even minor interactions, such as sending a single SMS or making a brief call, can reset the inactivity counter, providing a simple way for users to retain their SIMs.

The Rise of Affordable Solutions: Ensuring Connectivity for All

This policy change is particularly significant in the wake of tariff hikes implemented by leading telecom operators in 2023. Many users, particularly those in rural areas or economically weaker sections, were forced to reconsider maintaining multiple SIMs due to increased costs. The Rs 20 rule offers a practical solution for these users, ensuring they remain connected without having to spend exorbitantly.

For example, users who maintain a BSNL or Jio SIM as a backup while relying on Airtel or Vi for their primary needs can now keep both SIMs active without breaking the bank. This low-cost approach aligns with TRAI’s broader objective of promoting affordable connectivity for all citizens.

The Broader Picture: Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) and Enhanced Connectivity

In a related development, the Indian government recently launched the Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) facility, further bolstering telecom infrastructure. This new initiative was unveiled on January 17 during the inauguration of 4G mobile towers under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) program. The ICR facility allows customers from any network—Jio, Airtel, BSNL, or Vi—to seamlessly access 4G services via a single DBN-supported tower.

This groundbreaking measure ensures uninterrupted connectivity, particularly in remote or underserved areas where individual network coverage might be weak. Users no longer need to worry about their SIM losing signal; instead, they can rely on shared infrastructure to stay connected.

How ICR Works

The ICR technology essentially facilitates mutual cooperation among telecom operators, allowing them to share network resources. For instance, a Jio customer in a remote village without Jio coverage can latch onto an Airtel or BSNL tower to make calls or access the internet. This system not only enhances user experience but also reduces the need for operators to build redundant infrastructure in areas where coverage is already available.

This initiative is a game-changer for rural India, where network connectivity has historically been a challenge. The Digital Bharat Nidhi’s focus on bringing 4G connectivity to every corner of the country aligns with the government’s vision of a truly connected and digitally empowered India.

How Users Benefit from the Rs 20 Rule and ICR

The combination of TRAI’s Rs 20 rule and the introduction of ICR offers unprecedented benefits to telecom users across India:

Cost Efficiency: Keeping a secondary SIM active has become more affordable than ever. Users no longer need to recharge with higher amounts just to avoid deactivation.
Improved Connectivity: With ICR, users can access 4G services even in areas where their primary network lacks coverage.
Simplicity: The Rs 20 deduction system is automatic, reducing the burden on users to monitor and recharge their secondary SIMs.
Inclusivity: These measures are particularly beneficial for rural and economically disadvantaged users, ensuring they remain connected without incurring heavy expenses.

Consumer Responsibility: Staying Informed

While TRAI’s initiatives are commendable, it’s essential for consumers to stay informed about their SIM usage and balance. Telecom operators often notify users about impending deactivation through SMS or email, but it’s up to the user to act promptly. Simple practices such as setting reminders for periodic usage or ensuring a small prepaid balance can go a long way in avoiding unnecessary hassles.

For those maintaining multiple SIM cards, consolidating services or opting for family plans might also be a practical solution. Many operators offer bundled services that combine data, calling, and value-added features, potentially reducing overall costs.

Future Implications: A More Connected India

TRAI’s Rs 20 rule and the government’s push for ICR are just the beginning of a broader transformation in India’s telecom landscape. As digital penetration continues to grow, policies like these will play a pivotal role in ensuring that connectivity remains accessible and affordable for all.

The emphasis on shared infrastructure, such as DBN-supported towers, could serve as a model for other developing nations grappling with similar challenges. By prioritizing affordability and innovation, India is setting the stage for a digitally inclusive future.

Conclusion

The Rs 20 rule for SIM activation and the Intra Circle Roaming facility are testaments to TRAI’s commitment to consumer-centric policies. These measures not only address the immediate concerns of telecom users but also contribute to the larger goal of bridging the digital divide in India.

For users of Jio, BSNL, Airtel, and Vi, staying connected has never been easier or more affordable. As the telecom industry continues to evolve, these developments serve as a reminder that even small changes can have a big impact, ensuring that connectivity remains a right, not a privilege.