Vi launches four calling-only prepaid plans priced from Rs 179 to Rs 206

Vodafone Idea, or Vi, has launched four new prepaid plans that offer only calling and SMS. For people who use their mobile phones only to talk and send messages, the plans are meant to cut the cost of recharging. The company introduced them in line with new directions from the telecom regulator TRAI.

Many customers complain that they have to pay for expensive data recharges even though they do not use the internet. To address this, Vi has taken the step after Airtel, and has become the second telecom company in the country to offer such recharges.

Those who do not use the internet on a smartphone, or who have a basic keypad phone, can choose these plans. Many elderly people use their phones only to talk to family members, and some ordinary users do not need the internet either. Such customers will no longer need to buy a data recharge, so they will save on unnecessary spending and pay only for the services they need.

The four Vi plans are priced between Rs 179 and Rs 206. Validity and benefits differ slightly from plan to plan. None of them includes internet data, so those who want to recharge only for calls and messages can pick according to their needs.

The Rs 179 plan is the cheapest. It is valid for 25 days and offers unlimited calling during that period. Free SMS is not mentioned in this plan.

The Rs 185 plan is valid for 28 days. It offers unlimited calling along with 300 SMS.

The Rs 203 plan is valid for 30 days. It also offers unlimited calling and 300 SMS.

The Rs 206 plan is valid for a full month. It comes with unlimited calling and 300 SMS.

Before Vi, Airtel had also brought three similar plans to the market, priced at Rs 185, Rs 203 and Rs 206. All three offer unlimited local, STD and roaming calls on any network, and each plan includes 300 free SMS.

While telecom companies have so far offered recharges built around internet services, separate plans are now becoming available for those who use only calling and SMS. With this move by Vi and Airtel, customers who do not use the internet will be able to choose a recharge that suits their needs. The plans may be especially useful for the elderly and for those who use basic phones.