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90 Days of SIM Freedom: TRAI Brings Major Relief for Indian Users

TRAI’s new rules bring relief to millions by ensuring SIM cards stay active for 90 days without recharge. Learn how Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL are implementing this change.

 
90 Days of SIM Freedom: TRAI Brings Major Relief for Indian Users

Millions of mobile users in India have received significant relief, especially those managing multiple SIM cards. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new rules that prevent telecom operators from deactivating SIM cards due to a lack of recharge for up to 90 days. This change addresses a major issue for users who often forget to recharge secondary SIMs, ensuring their numbers stay active for longer.

How the New Rules Will Benefit Users

Previously, telecom companies like Reliance Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea (Vi), and BSNL would deactivate SIM cards if they remained inactive for a certain period. Many users experienced inconvenience when secondary SIMs were deactivated and later reassigned to other customers. This practice created widespread frustration, especially for individuals who used their primary SIM cards more actively while neglecting the secondary ones.

With the new TRAI provisions, this problem will now be resolved. The rules ensure SIM cards remain active for at least 90 days without requiring a recharge, providing much-needed flexibility and peace of mind to users.

Operator-Specific Validity Periods

Different telecom operators have varying policies for SIM validity:

  • Reliance Jio: Jio SIMs will remain active without recharge for up to 90 days. However, incoming call services might only last for a shorter period based on the user’s last recharge plan. If no recharge is done after 90 days, the SIM will be permanently deactivated.

  • Airtel: Airtel offers more than 90 days of active status for unrecharged SIMs. Users will also get a 15-day grace period to recharge before the number is reassigned.

  • Vodafone Idea (Vi): Vi allows users 90 days of inactivity before requiring a minimum recharge of ₹49 to keep the SIM active.

  • BSNL: Government-owned BSNL provides the most extended validity. BSNL SIM cards remain active for up to 180 days without recharge, giving users unparalleled flexibility.

Reducing Costs and Enhancing Convenience

The new rules not only extend SIM validity but also help reduce the financial burden on users, as fewer recharges are required to maintain active status. This is especially beneficial for individuals managing multiple SIMs or using secondary SIMs for specific purposes like data-only services.

A Step Toward User-Friendly Policies

The TRAI guidelines mark a positive shift towards user-centric telecom practices. By addressing a common pain point, these rules ensure that mobile users can maintain connectivity without constant worry about recharges. This move is expected to enhance customer satisfaction and encourage broader adoption of secondary SIM usage across the country.

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