In today’s world, mobile phones have become a basic necessity. It is hard to spend even a few hours without them. While mobile phones have made many aspects of our lives easier, they have also increased our expenses. With rising recharge plan costs, frequently renewing plans can be expensive. Many people immediately buy a new plan as soon as their current one expires, fearing that their number might get deactivated.
Do you know how long your SIM remains active if you don’t recharge it? Many people are unaware of their SIM card’s validity, leading them to recharge unnecessarily. This can be a major concern, especially for those using two SIM cards.
Recently, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) introduced new rules regarding SIM card validity, bringing relief to mobile users. According to these new regulations, even if your recharge plan expires, you don’t need to recharge immediately. Your SIM card will remain active for several months without a plan.
Rules for Jio Users
If you use a Jio SIM, it will remain active for 90 days without a recharge. After 90 days, you will need to purchase a reactivation plan to keep your number active. The duration of incoming call services after a recharge expires varies for different users. Some numbers continue to receive incoming calls for a month, while others may stop after a week or even a day. If your number remains inactive for 90 days, it will be permanently disconnected and may be reassigned to another user.
Rules for Airtel Users
For Airtel users, the SIM card stays active for 60 days without a recharge. After 60 days, you must buy a ₹45 validity plan to keep your number active.
Rules for Vi Users
If you use a Vi SIM card, it will remain active for 90 days without a recharge. After this period, you need to purchase a ₹49 plan to keep your SIM active.
Rules for BSNL Users
BSNL users get the longest validity without a recharge. A BSNL SIM remains active for 180 days even after the recharge plan expires. This means you can use your number for up to six months without a recharge.
With these new TRAI rules, users no longer need to rush to recharge their SIMs immediately after expiry. However, it is essential to check your operator’s specific policy to avoid disconnection.