TL; DR
- Airtel launches three calling-only prepaid plans at ₹185, ₹203 and ₹206.
- Each includes unlimited calls, 300 SMS, and free HelloTunes, with no data.
- TRAI’s new rules require voice-and-SMS-only vouchers; Airtel is reportedly the first to comply.
When was the last time you recharged your phone without paying for mobile data? Airtel has quietly added three new prepaid plans, and none of them include mobile data. All of them are live on Airtel’s app and website. With this, Airtel has become the first telecom operator to roll out voice-and-SMS-only packs under TRAI’s new rules.
What do Airtel’s three voice-only plans offer?
All three prepaid plans give unlimited local, STD and roaming calls, along with 300 SMS and free HelloTunes. Starting with the most affordable one, the ₹185 pack is valid for 28 days. Spending ₹18 more on the ₹203 plan buys me 30 days. The ₹206 plan is valid for one month. So, it renews on the same calendar date every month.
| Plan | Validity | Calls | SMS | Data |
| ₹185 | 28 days | Unlimited local, STD, roaming | 300 | None |
| ₹203 | 30 days | Unlimited local, STD, roaming | 300 | None |
| ₹206 | One month (same date each month) | Unlimited local, STD, roaming | 300 | None |
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra Leak Hints at Thinner Bezels and a Bigger Camera Bump
Why Now, And Who Are These Plans For?
You can blame or thank TRAI for the new call-and-SMS-only plans without mobile data. In September 2026, the regulator changed its consumer protection rules. The new rules mandate that operators offer voice-and-SMS-only plans, with a matching tariff cut, for validities of 30 days or less. The regulator has also issued a compliance guideline: October 21, 2026.
It’s already clear who these plans target: feature phone users in tier 2 or tier 3 cities who don’t want to pay for high-speed 5G internet and can’t use it. In addition, people with a secondary SIM, perhaps for work only, could also benefit from affordable monthly plans that include calling and messaging. Anyone who lives on Wi-Fi can also benefit.
Also Read: Relax, The Flying Tesla Roadster Is Never Coming On Roads, History Pattern Shows
| When | What happened |
| September 2026 | TRAI mandates voice-and-SMS-only special tariff vouchers |
| October 18 to 19 | Reports say Airtel lists three plans, first among operators |
| October 21 | Compliance deadline for operators (per Moneycontrol) |
I doubt Airtel will advertise these loudly, since a ₹185 pack can pull people away from pricier bundles. Still, secondary-SIM users now have a cheap way to keep a number alive. Watch whether rival operators match it before the 21st.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy F70 5G India Launch Set For October 18: Here’s Everything We Know
You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the latest tech and auto news, reviews, and guides.
