Vodafone Idea (Vi), the third-largest private operator in India, offers numerous perks with its plans that are unmatched by any other operator in the country. Vi began providing these benefits, which we will discuss in the story ahead, to its users in a phased manner. Despite offering multiple advantages, it seems users are not fully convinced, as the operator continues to lose wireless subscribers month after month, according to TRAI. In this article, let’s focus on the benefits Vodafone Idea bundles with its prepaid plans compared to the competition.
Also Read: Vodafone Idea Prepaid Plans with 1-Year Validity Detailed
Let's first take a look at the general benefits bundled with prepaid plans in the Indian telecom market.
Bundled Plan Recharge Benefits
Prepaid users across all operators enjoy data, voice, SMS, and OTT benefits on their plans. In select plans, users may also receive extra data or discounts when using digital platforms such as the self-care app or website of respective operators. On 5G Networks, users enjoy Unlimited 5G data on select plans. Now, let’s explore what Vodafone Idea offers in its prepaid portfolio as part of these recharge benefits.
1. Base Plan - Regular Benefits
The base plan includes regular data benefits that come standard with the plan. This may be 1GB, 1.5GB, or 2GB per day, depending on the specific recharge plan. These basic benefits are offered by all operators, including both private operators like Vodafone Idea and government-owned ones.
2. Extra Data Benefit
In addition to the regular offerings, Vi also provides extra data with specific plans. For example, the Rs 1,749 plan offers 30GB extra for 45 days, the Rs 3,499 plan provides 50GB extra for 90 days, and the Rs 3,699 plan includes 50GB extra for 90 days. Other examples include Rs 3,799 (50GB for 90 days), Rs 859 (5GB extra for 3 days), Rs 349 (5GB extra for 3 days), and Rs 579 (5GB extra for 3 days).
3. Just For You
As part of the "Just for You" benefits, Vi offers additional data under select plans. This benefit is available to select users, based on the operator’s discretion.
4. App-Only Benefit
The "App-Only" offer provides extra perks when recharging via the Vi app. These benefits vary based on the recharge denomination and are in addition to regular plan benefits. For example, users get Rs 100 off on the Rs 3,799 plan, Rs 75 off on the Rs 3,699 plan, Rs 50 off on the Rs 3,499 plan, 4 days of extra validity on the Rs 795 plan, and 2 days of extra validity on the Rs 449 plan.
5. Vi App and Web Exclusive
Under the "Only on Vi App and Web" offer, extra benefits are provided for select recharges made via the Vi app or website. For example, users can receive 2 days of extra validity on the Rs 449 plan and 4 days of extra validity on the Rs 795 plan. This benefit is almost similar to the above App-only benefit.
6. Hero Benefits
Most of Vi's recharge plans fall under the "Hero Unlimited" category, which offers unique perks like Binge All Night, Weekend Data Rollover, and Data Delight.
- Binge All Night: Users can enjoy unlimited data from midnight 12 AM to 6 AM at no extra cost.
- Weekend Data Rollover: Unused data from Monday to Friday can be carried over to Saturday and Sunday.
- Data Delight: Users can claim up to 2GB of backup data every month at no additional cost. This extra data can be claimed via dialling 121249 or through the Vi app.
7. Vi Guarantee
Vi recently introduced the "Vi Guarantee Program," offering 130GB of extra data over one year to eligible prepaid users. The data is provided in 10GB increments every 28 days for 13 consecutive cycles. To qualify, users must have a 5G smartphone or recently upgraded to a new 4G smartphone with an active unlimited pack of Rs 299 or above. The Vi Guarantee data can only be used on a 4G network.
Also Read: Vodafone Idea Brings Live Darshan from Ambaji Temple to Users
Free Data for 7 Days
At its discretion, Vi also provides 1GB of free data per day for 7 days to users who are not on any active service pack. This benefit may be offered multiple times, depending on the operator's decision.
Play Games, Recharge, and Win Data
Vi sometimes offers users the opportunity to win extra data by playing games or completing recharges. For example, as of this writing, under the Game Carnival on the Vi app, users can win up to 50GB of data. However, these extra benefits are not part of the prepaid plan and are more promotional in nature.
Market Offering
Now that we've seen all the benefits offered by Vodafone Idea, let’s compare them with the offerings from other operators in the market, presented in a tabular format.
| Sl. No | Prepaid Benefits | Bharti Airtel | Vodafone Idea | Reliance Jio |
| 1 | Base Plan Benefits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | App Only Extra Benefits | Yes | Yes | No |
| 3 | Extra Benefits, Data | No | Yes | Yes - Data, Cash back Coupons |
| 4 | Just For You or Only For You | Yes for Expired Plan Users | Yes | No |
| 5 | Only on Vi App and Web | NA | Yes | NA |
| 6 | Hero Benefits | NA | Yes | NA |
| a | Binge All Night | Yes | NA | |
| b | Weekend data rollover | Yes | NA | |
| c | Data delight | Yes | NA | |
| 7 | Vi Guarantee | NA | Yes | NA |
| 8 | Free Data | No | Free Data for 7 Days. | No |
| 9 | Unlimited 5G | Yes, for Eligible Plans | No | Yes, for Eligible Subscribers |
Conclusion
Taking Vi's Rs 1,749 Hero plan as an example, the plan includes 1.5GB of data per day, along with 30GB of extra data valid for 45 days. It also includes the Hero benefits (all three) and the Vi Guarantee. As we've seen, no other operator in India currently offers such benefits to prepaid users.
If we consider the 4G segment, Vi provides many advantages. Yet, despite these bundled benefits, Vi continues to lose wireless subscribers month after month. According to recent TRAI data, Vi lost 860,889 wireless subscribers in June 2024, bringing its subscriber base to around 217 million. Overall, Vi explored every opportunity to bundle free or extra data into its prepaid plans, ensuring its customers receive the most value.
