Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) has introduced two new voice and SMS-only prepaid vouchers with service validity. These vouchers cost Rs 470 and Rs 1849. These vouchers are exactly what Airtel has introduced for its users, so Vi's strategy to copy Airtel's tariffs continues. Vi wants to play the high-price game to boost its average revenue per user (ARPU), however, its ARPU lags severely behind Jio's which offers plans at lower tariffs. This is likely because of the high mix of low-paying 2G customers in Vi's networks.
Vi had first introduced the Rs 1460 prepaid plan for users in the voice and SMS segment. Now the telco has removed that and brought the Rs 470 and the Rs 1849 plans. Let's take a look at the benefits of these plans.
Read More - Jio Brings New Rs 1748 Voice and SMS Only Plan
Vodafone Idea Rs 1849 Prepaid Plan - Voice and SMS Only Voucher
With the Rs 1849 prepaid plan, Vi offers:
- Unlimited voice calling
- 3600 SMS
- Validity - 365 days
Vodafone Idea Rs 470 Prepaid Plan - Voice and SMS Only Voucher
With the Rs 470 prepaid plan, Vi offers:
- Unlimited voice calling
- 900 SMS
- Validity - 84 days
Read More - Reliance Jio Republic Day Offer 2025 with Rs 3599 Prepaid Plan
These vouchers have come into effect after an order from TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) mandated telcos to offers customers plans with validity that aren't bundled with data. Customers were complaining after the tariff hikes that there were no plans that didn't come bundled with data and hence they were forced to pay a lot of money to keep their SIM active.
The telcos have opposed such plans citing that they go against the government's vision of a digital India. However, the telecom regualtory body hasn't accepted the views of the telcos and hence all three private telecom operators and BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) have plans which come with voice and SMS only benefits and also offers service validity.
