There is an important news for mobile phone users in India. Major telecom companies like Jio, Airtel and BSNL have made some changes in the validity and recharge rules of their SIM cards. These new rules will have a direct impact on millions of consumers like you. In this article we will tell you how many days your SIM card will remain active without recharging and about other important aspects related to it.
Mobile number validity is an issue that affects every consumer. Whether you are a prepaid or postpaid user, it is very important to keep your number active. Under the new rules, telecom companies can now deactivate the SIM cards of those customers who do not recharge for a long time. Let us discuss this topic in detail and know how this new rule will affect you.
SIM Card Validity: Review of the New Rules
Jio, Airtel and BSNL have recently changed their SIM card validity rules. This new rule will affect those consumers who do not use their mobile number for a long time or do not recharge it. The table below gives a brief description of these new rules:
| Description | new rule |
| minimum recharge period | 28 days |
| Maximum validity period (without recharge) | 90 days |
| Incoming call validity | 15 days (after last recharge) |
| validity of outgoing calls | As per recharge plan |
| validity of data service | As per recharge plan |
| SMS service validity | As per recharge plan |
| sim card deactivation | After 90 days (without recharge) |
New rules for Jio users
Jio, India’s largest telecom company, has implemented some new rules for its customers. The main objective of these rules is to encourage customers to recharge regularly.
- Minimum Recharge: Jio users will have to recharge at least once in 28 days.
- Validity Period: Without recharge, Jio SIM card will remain active for maximum 90 days.
- Incoming calls: Incoming calls will be received till 15 days after the last recharge.
- Outgoing Call: Outgoing call facility will be available as per the recharge plan.
Jio has informed its customers about these new rules through SMS and IVR. The company says that this step has been taken to maintain the quality of the network and remove inactive users.
Validity Rules for Airtel Subscribers
Airtel, India’s second largest telecom company, has also changed its SIM card validity rules. These rules are similar to Jio’s rules, but there are some minor differences.
- Minimum Recharge: Airtel users will also have to recharge at least once every 28 days.
- Validity Period: Without recharge, Airtel SIM will remain active for 90 days.
- Incoming calls: Incoming calls will be available till 15 days after the last recharge.
- Outgoing Services: Outgoing calls, SMS and data services will be available as per the recharge plan.
Airtel has informed its customers about these new rules through MyAirtel App and SMS. The company says that this step has been taken to reduce network congestion and provide better service.
SIM validity rules for BSNL customers
BSNL, the government-owned telecom company, has also made some changes in its SIM card validity rules. However, the rules of BSNL are slightly different as compared to private companies.
- Minimum Recharge: BSNL users will have to recharge at least once every 60 days.
- Validity Period: Without recharge, BSNL SIM will remain active for 180 days.
- Incoming calls: Incoming calls will be available till 30 days after the last recharge.
- Outgoing Services: Outgoing calls, SMS and data services will be available as per the recharge plan.
BSNL has informed its customers about these new rules through SMS and call center. The company claims that these rules will encourage customers to take long term plans.
SIM card activation process
Under the new rules, if you do not recharge for a long time, your SIM card may get deactivated. In such a situation, you may have to reactivate your SIM card. Here is some important information about the SIM card activation process:
- Contact Customer Care: Call the customer care number of your telecom company.
- KYC Documents: Keep your KYC documents ready (Aadhar Card, PAN Card, etc.).
- Recharge: Pay the minimum recharge amount.
- Verification: The company will verify your information.
- Activation: After successful verification, your SIM card will be activated within 24 hours.
Recharge Options and Plans
Telecom companies provide various recharge options and plans to their customers. Here are some common recharge options:
- Daily Plan: This includes a fixed amount of data, calling and SMS per day.
- Weekly Plan: These plans come with a validity of 7 days.
- Monthly Plan: Plans with validity of 28 or 30 days.
- Long-term plans: Plans with validity of 3 months, 6 months or 1 year.
- Unlimited plans: These include unlimited calling and a fixed amount of data.
Data Rollover and Other Benefits
Some telecom companies provide additional benefits to their customers. Some of these important benefits are:
- Data Rollover: If you don’t use all the data on your plan, the remaining data is transferred to the next month.
- Free Subscription: Some plans include free subscription to OTT platforms.
- Reward Points: Some companies offer reward points on recharge, which can be redeemed later.
- Family Plan: Services can be availed at affordable rates by linking multiple numbers together.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. Although we have attempted to provide accurate information, policies of telecom companies may change from time to time. Please contact your telecom company directly or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided in this article.
