TRAI Rule Update: How Long Can Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL SIMs Work Without Recharge?

The TRAI Rule Update on SIM validity has brought significant changes for mobile users across India. These new guidelines ensure that SIM cards from Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL remain active for longer periods without requiring frequent recharges. This update not only simplifies mobile management but also helps users save money and avoid accidental disconnections.

Let’s break down how long SIM cards remain active for each provider and what steps users need to take to retain their number.

TRAI Rule Update: New SIM Validity Guidelines

The TRAI rule update introduced a standardized approach to SIM validity, allowing users to go up to 180 days without recharging, depending on the telecom provider. This makes it easier for users to manage their numbers and reduce unnecessary expenses. Here’s what each operator offers under these new guidelines:

Jio SIM Validity Under TRAI Rule Update

• Active Period: 90 days without recharge.
• Incoming Call Services:
  • Depending on your last recharge, incoming calls may last for one day, a week, or even a month.
• What Happens After 90 Days?
  • Users must recharge with a reactivation plan to keep their number.
  • If the SIM remains inactive beyond this period, it will be disconnected and reassigned.

Example: If you don’t recharge your Jio SIM for three months, you’ll need to act quickly to avoid losing the number permanently.

Airtel SIM Validity Under TRAI Rule Update

• Active Period: 90 days without recharge.
• Grace Period: 15 additional days after the active period.
• What Happens After 105 Days?
  • If no recharge is done within the grace period, the number will be recycled and made available for new users.

Example: Airtel’s extended grace period gives users extra time to reactivate their SIM.

Vi SIM Validity Under TRAI Rule Update

• Active Period: 90 days without recharge.
• Additional Requirement: After the 90-day period, users must activate a validity plan to keep their number.
• What Happens If You Don’t Recharge?
  • Failure to recharge beyond this period will result in disconnection and reassignment of the number.

BSNL SIM Validity Under TRAI Rule Update

• Active Period: 180 days without recharge.
• Why BSNL Stands Out:
  • BSNL offers the longest validity period among all telecom providers, making it ideal for low-usage or secondary SIM cards.
• What Happens After 180 Days?
  • Users need to recharge their account to continue using the number.

Example: BSNL’s six-month validity makes it a go-to choice for those who use their SIMs occasionally or as a backup.

Rs. 20 Extends SIM Validity by 30 Days

If a SIM remains inactive for more than 90 days and has a prepaid balance of Rs. 20, this amount will be automatically deducted to extend the SIM’s validity by an additional 30 days.

However, if the balance is less than Rs. 20, the SIM will be deactivated and the number will be reassigned to a new user.

Also Read: Vi Truly Unlimited 4G Plan: Get Unmatched Data and Benefits Starting Today!

Comparison of SIM Validity Rules Post TRAI Rule Update

Provider	Active Period Without Recharge	Grace Period	Action Required After Grace Period
Jio	90 days	None	Reactivation plan required.
Airtel	90 days	15 days	Number recycled after grace period.
Vi	90 days	None	Reactivation recharge plan required.
BSNL	180 days	None	Recharge required to retain number.

Why TRAI Rule Update Is a Game-Changer

Extended Validity:

Users can now enjoy longer periods of activity without frequent recharges, especially with BSNL’s 180-day validity.

Cost Savings:

The rule reduces the need for unnecessary recharges, saving users money, especially for secondary numbers.

Simplified Management:

The guidelines help users manage multiple SIM cards more efficiently.

Caller Name Presentation (CNAP): A New Feature Under TRAI Rule Update

Alongside SIM validity changes, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated the rollout of the Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) service. This feature displays the verified name of the caller, offering additional benefits:

• Reduces Spam Calls:
  • Helps users identify and avoid fraudulent or spam calls.
• Enhances Security:
  • Adds an extra layer of protection for users against phishing attempts.

Conclusion

The TRAI rule update simplifies mobile management and offers much-needed relief to users who juggle multiple SIMs or want to avoid frequent recharges. Whether you’re using Jio, Airtel, Vi, or BSNL, these new validity rules ensure better flexibility and cost savings.

For those seeking the longest validity, BSNL’s 180-day policy is unmatched. Meanwhile, Jio, Airtel, and Vi provide convenient options for short-term use. Coupled with features like the CNAP service, this update reflects TRAI’s commitment to improving the telecom experience in India. Choose the provider and plan that works best for you and enjoy uninterrupted service!