Airtel, Jio and Vi’s new voice and SMS prepaid plans must pass TRAI test

Over the past few days, telecom service providers Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vi have listed new voice and SMS only prepaid plans. The timing isn’t coincidental, since telcos had to follow through on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) guidelines announced in December, for Special Tariff Vouchers, or STVs. The guidance on affordability particularly for “elderly persons and those living in rural areas” was clear, but tariff plans that have since been announced aren’t truly affordable. The other fallout is, certain existing recharge plans, have been replaced with more expensive alternatives.