Airtel launches voice-only prepaid plans after govt mandate, prices start at Rs 185

Bharti Airtel has become the first telecom operator to launch new voice-and-SMS-only prepaid plans under the government's latest telecom rules. Priced at Rs 185, Rs 203 and Rs 206, the three plans arrive days before the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) October 21 deadline for operators to comply with its updated requirements.Airtel confirmed the launch to India Today Tech, and the plans are also live on the Airtel website and app. According to the company, the new plans are aimed at customers who primarily use their phones for calls and text messages and do not need bundled mobile data. All three offer unlimited local, STD and roaming calls, along with 300 SMS for their respective validity periods.Let's take a quick look at what more these plans offer:– The Rs 185 plan is the cheapest option and comes with 28 days of validity. – The Rs 203 recharge offers the same calling and SMS benefits for 30 days. – The Rs 206 plan also offers unlimited calling and 300 SMS, but comes with calendar-month validity rather than a fixed 30-day period. All three plans include free HelloTunes, allowing customers to set a caller tune without paying an additional charge.What are the new TRAI rules?TRAI announced the new framework in September 2026, giving telecom operators, including Airtel, Reliance Jio and others, 30 days to comply. The rules require operators to offer voice-and-SMS-only special tariff vouchers without bundled mobile data. They also call for more flexible validity options, including shorter-duration packs, monthly renewal and at least one longer-validity option.The mandate was introduced to address concerns that customers who mainly use their phones for calls and messages were paying for mobile data they rarely used. This is particularly relevant for feature phone users, many of whom rely on their devices primarily for basic communication.The new plans could also make sense if you mostly use Wi-Fi to get online or keep a second SIM just for calls. Instead of paying for data you don't need, you can choose a recharge that better suits how you use your phone.Airtel's three plans offer the same calling and SMS benefits, so the main difference comes down to validity. You can choose between 28 days, 30 days or a calendar month, depending on what works best for you. - Ends