Airtel's ₹1849 and ₹2249 annual plans are the best options for keeping your SIM active for an extended period and avoiding the hassle of frequent recharges.
Bharti Airtel has once again created a stir in India's telecom industry. This time, the company has introduced a plan that offers relief to millions of users, especially those who want a single recharge to keep their SIM active for a year without worrying about daily data or balance.
Airtel, India's second-largest telecom company, has introduced two prepaid plans with 365 days of validity, offering different features at different price points. One plan costs ₹2249 and includes data, unlimited calling, and OTT subscriptions. The other plan costs ₹1849, considered Airtel's cheapest annual validity plan to date.
₹1849 Airtel Plan: A boon for feature phone users
Airtel's ₹1849 plan is specifically designed for users who use 2G feature phones instead of smartphones. This plan was launched in accordance with the directives of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to ensure basic users can keep their SIMs active for a year without difficulty.
What does this plan offer?
- 365 days validity: One recharge keeps your SIM active for a whole year.
- Unlimited calling: Unlimited calls to any network across India.
- Free national roaming: Full SIM benefits anywhere in India.
- 3600 free SMS: An average of 10 SMS per day for the entire year.
- No data: This plan does not include internet data, but users can add on data packs as needed.
This plan is best for users who primarily use their SIM for calling and have minimal internet needs. It provides significant relief to elderly users, those in smaller towns, and feature phone users.
₹2249 Airtel Plan: A bumper offer for smartphone users
If you're a smartphone user and want a recharge that lasts a year, including data, calling, SMS, and OTT subscriptions, Airtel's ₹2249 prepaid plan is ideal.
Highlights of this plan:
- 365 days validity: Keeps your SIM active for a year without further recharges.
- Unlimited calling: Free calls to any network across India.
- 100 SMS per day: Approximately 36,500 SMS for the entire year.
- 30GB high-speed data: Without daily limits; use as needed.
- Free Airtel XStream Play subscription: Enjoy OTT content without extra cost.
- Free Hello Tunes: Set your preferred caller tune.
This plan is suitable for users who use both calling and some internet but don't require daily data limits. It's even more beneficial for those who enjoy OTT content.
Which plan is best for you?
If you or a family member uses a mobile phone only for calling, such as a feature phone user or an elderly person, Airtel's ₹1849 plan is the best option. This plan keeps your SIM active for a year and offers unlimited calling and free SMS. It doesn't include data, making it perfect for those who don't need internet and only want to make or receive calls. One recharge ensures peace of mind for 365 days.
However, if you use a smartphone and want to enjoy calling, internet, and OTT, the ₹2249 plan is perfect. It offers a year's validity with 30GB of data, 100 SMS daily, and unlimited calling. It also includes a free subscription to OTT platforms like Airtel XStream Play. This plan is especially designed for users who want to avoid frequent recharges and prefer a one-time, year-long solution.
What makes these plans special?
Telecom companies are now introducing schemes to retain users for longer periods. Airtel's year-long plans are part of this strategy. Their biggest advantage is their affordability and elimination of the worry of frequent recharges. Users only need to recharge once, and their SIM remains active for 365 days. This ensures continuous connectivity and avoids issues like call drops or network disruptions.
Importantly, Airtel has catered not only to smartphone users but also to feature phone users. The ₹1849 plan is a prime example. This plan is ideal for those who don't use the internet but want calling facilities throughout the year. This plan is highly beneficial for elderly users or those with limited technical knowledge. It demonstrates Airtel's commitment to catering to all customer segments.
Airtel's initiative can be considered a significant step in the telecom sector. The 365-day validity plan is a huge relief for users tired of frequent recharge worries. While the ₹2249 plan is for those immersed in the world of internet and OTT, the ₹1849 plan caters to millions who want to keep their SIM active at a low cost.
