Thu Jan 23 08:05:45 UTC 2025: ## Airtel Briefly Unveils, Then Pulls, New Voice & SMS-Only Prepaid Plans Following TRAI Directive

**NEW DELHI** – Bharti Airtel briefly showcased, then retracted, new voice and SMS-only prepaid plans on its website today. The temporary appearance was attributed to a “technical glitch,” according to sources. The plans, mandated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), are expected to officially launch later today alongside similar offerings from other telecom providers.

The move addresses a growing need for affordable, basic voice and SMS services, particularly for users of 2G phones or those with dual SIM setups who often pay for unused data in bundled plans.

Airtel’s updated plans, glimpsed earlier, include a ₹509 plan offering unlimited voice calls and 900 SMS messages with an 84-day validity (approximately ₹170 per month). This revised plan removes the 6GB data component found in its previous iteration. A ₹1,999 yearly plan, now offering unlimited voice calls and 3,600 SMS messages (approximately ₹153 per month), similarly excludes its previous 24GB data allowance. Both plans retain added benefits like access to Airtel Xstream App, Apollo 24/7 Circle membership, and Hello Tunes.

TRAI’s directive aims to provide more accessible options for customers who only require voice and SMS services, eliminating the cost burden of bundled data plans. The full rollout of Airtel’s revised plans is anticipated shortly.

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