Not all mobile phone owners need a lot of mobile data. Users with older devices, secondary SIM cards or regular access to Wi-Fi only use their connections for calls and SMS. For these customers, telecom operators have started offering dedicated voice-and-SMS recharge plans.

These have drawn attention as a result of regulators trying to make voice and SMS-only plans more visible and accessible to consumers. TRAI has been promoting dedicated tariffs that let customers pay for the services they actually need rather than having to choose a data-inclusive pack.

Why are voice-only recharge plans important?

Major recharge packs typically combine unlimited calling with daily mobile data. While useful for users of smartphones that regularly browse the internet, view videos or view social media, this may not be the most necessary offering for some.

Senior citizens, those with feature phones and people maintaining a second SIM card may only require calling and SMS. Dedicated voice-and-SMS pack can therefore act as an alternative to a regular data bundle.

TRAI's actions are also about giving consumers more flexibility in choosing telecom services. Their proposal has been about making voice-and-SMS only vouchers available alongside existing plans and ensuring that customers can easily find these options.

Jio voice and SMS-only recharge packs

Reliance Jio has offered voice-and-SMS-focused options, including long-validity packs.

According to recent reports, the Jio ₹448 pack offers 84 days of validity with unlimited voice calling and 1,000 SMS; the ₹1,748 pack offers a much longer validity of 336 days, unlimited voice calling and 3,600 SMS.

Customers should check the MyJio app before recharging as plan offerings and benefits can vary between telecom circles.

Airtel voice-only packs

Airtel have also offered plans designed to be used by customers who exclusively require calling and SMS services.

The ₹469 Airtel recharge pack has been reported to offer 84 days of validity, unlimited voice calls and 900 SMS; the ₹1,849 pack offers 365 days of validity, unlimited calling and 3,600 SMS.

These packs can be particularly relevant for customers who have access to Wi-Fi and do not want to pay for a large daily mobile-data allowance.

Vodafone Idea voice and SMS packs

Vodafone Idea (Vi) also have voice-focused packs, although availability and pricing can vary between telecom circles.

Recent reports have highlighted packs around the ₹470 mark for 84 days, offering unlimited calling and SMS benefits. A longer-validity offering around ₹1,849 has also been observed in some markets.

Users should check the Vi app or the company's recharge listings for the latest plan available in their circle before making a payment.

Who can benefit from these packs?

Voice-and-SMS-only packs may be useful for:

• Feature phone users who do not require mobile internet.
• Senior citizens who largely use their phones for calls.
• Secondary SIM users who want to keep another number active.
• Wi-Fi users who have access to internet at home or work.
• Users who make largely voice calls and rarely use mobile data.
• Customers who want long-validity calling plans without paying for a large daily data allowance.

Check the plan before recharging

While voice-only recharge may reduce unnecessary data costs for some, customers should check the benefits of a pack before recharging. Prices, validity, SMS allowances and availability may vary between operators and telecom circles.

Users should also note that a plan without mobile data may not provide internet connectivity when Wi-Fi is unavailable. Apps, online banking, UPI services and other internet-based services may require a separate data pack or Wi-Fi.

TRAI's focus on consumer choice

The larger issue is consumer choice. TRAI have been working on rules around Voice and SMS Only Packs, including requirements to make such plans more accessible and easier for consumers to identify. Recent updates have also highlighted the possibility of more transparent presentation of these packs through telecom apps and recharge channels.

For customers who rarely use mobile data, it could be worth checking voice-and-SMS-only options before purchasing a regular data bundle.