Jio VS Airtel VS Vi
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced new guidelines related to SIM card validity. The new rules extend SIM card validity, offering relief to users who often forget to recharge their secondary SIMs. The rules aim to reduce the need for frequent recharges. Unlike the past, the duration for keeping SIM cards active without recharging them has been increased. Here’s a complete list of telecom operators and the validity that each of them now provide.
Similarly, if you’re an Airtel user, then also you will be able to enjoy over 90 days of SIM validity without recharging. This will be followed by a 15-day grace period where you will have to reactivate the number to avoid losing it. Failure to recharge within this timeframe will result in the number being deactivated and reassigned.
If you are a Jio SIM card user then your SIMs will now remain active for 90 days without a recharge. However, during this period, incoming call services will vary based on the last recharge plan. After 90 days of not having a recharge, you will have to opt in for a reactivation plan; otherwise, the SIM will be permanently disconnected and reassigned to another user.
Vi (Vodafone Idea) users also have a 90-day grace period without recharging. Post this, a minimum recharge of Rs 49 is required to keep the SIM active.
Out of all of these, BSNL provides the longest validity. It has a 180-day validity period for inactive SIMs. This makes BSNL an attractive option for users looking to avoid frequent recharges.
If a SIM remains inactive for over 90 days but has a prepaid balance of Rs 20- Rs 30, the balance will be deducted to extend activation by 30 days. Without sufficient balance, the SIM will be deactivated and made available for new users.