Airtel Launches Rs 189 Prepaid Plan with Unlimited Voice Calls

Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications providers, has launched a new prepaid recharge plan priced at Rs 189, which offers users unlimited voice calling along with additional benefits. This initiative, which became effective on July 10, 2025, aims to cater primarily to budget-conscious customers and those who require minimal mobile services.

The Rs 189 plan comes with a service validity of 21 days, allowing customers unlimited voice calls across all networks, 1GB of mobile data, and 300 SMS messages. While it is not designed for heavy data users, this plan serves as an economical option for individuals who primarily engage in voice communication and occasional messaging. This strategy appears to be a direct response to the competitive landscape of India’s telecom market, particularly against rival operators like Reliance Jio, which also offers similar low-cost plans.

According to Airtel's spokesperson, this plan is strategically aimed at retaining low-spending customers while pushing the company's average revenue per user (ARPU) higher. "The launch of this plan is a testament to our commitment to provide affordable options for our customers, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where budget constraints are prevalent," the spokesperson stated during a press briefing.

The introduction of the Rs 189 plan comes at a time when Airtel is actively expanding its prepaid portfolio, recently unveiling plans that include bundled content access to popular streaming platforms. This diversification of offerings aims to attract different segments of users, from light data consumers to those looking for entertainment-rich plans.

Industry analysts have noted that while the new Rs 189 plan is not particularly appealing to data-heavy users, it fills a significant gap in Airtel's prepaid offerings. This plan is particularly tailored for secondary SIM users and those who prefer to keep their mobile numbers active without the need for extensive data benefits.

Dr. Anil Kumar, Telecom Analyst at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, emphasized the importance of this move in maintaining Airtel’s competitive edge. He remarked, "In a market where price sensitivity governs user choices, such affordable plans are crucial for retaining customer loyalty and growing the subscriber base."

The comparison between Airtel's Rs 189 plan and its existing Rs 199 plan, which offers similar benefits but with a longer validity period of 28 days, highlights the company's strategic pricing approach. For only an additional Rs 10, users can opt for a plan that offers greater flexibility and perhaps better value for those who anticipate needing services for a longer duration.

As Airtel continues to innovate within its prepaid offerings, the market will be watching closely how this new plan affects user retention and overall competition within the Indian telecom sector. The company’s focus on balancing affordability with service quality positions it uniquely in the current telecommunications landscape.

Looking ahead, the effectiveness of this plan in attracting and retaining customers will likely influence Airtel's future strategies as it navigates the competitive pressures exerted by other major players in the industry. As telecom users increasingly seek value for money, plans like Airtel’s Rs 189 offering could become essential components of budget-conscious consumers' choices, reinforcing the importance of strategic pricing in the telecom sector.