Airtel Unveils Rs 189 Prepaid Recharge Plan: Unlimited Voice Calling and More
Published: July 10, 2025
Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecom operators, has quietly rolled out a new Rs 189 prepaid recharge plan, designed to cater to budget-conscious users who prioritize voice calling over heavy data usage. This plan, now available on Airtel’s official website and Airtel Thanks app, offers unlimited voice calling, 1GB of data, and 300 SMS for a validity of 21 days. Here’s everything you need to know about this budget-friendly plan and how it stacks up against competitors.
Key Features of Airtel’s Rs 189 Prepaid Plan
- Unlimited Voice Calling: Make unlimited local and STD calls across all networks.
- 1GB Data: Ideal for light internet users for basic browsing and messaging.
- 300 SMS: Send up to 300 SMS during the 21-day validity period.
- 21-Day Validity: Perfect for users seeking short-term connectivity.
This plan is tailored for light users, secondary SIM holders, or those in semi-urban and rural areas who primarily need calling and minimal data services. It’s not designed for heavy data users or streamers but serves as an excellent option for keeping a number active at a low cost.
Why Airtel Launched the Rs 189 Plan
Airtel’s new Rs 189 plan is a strategic move to compete with rivals like Reliance Jio and BSNL, who also offer affordable prepaid plans. By introducing this plan, Airtel aims to retain low-spending customers and boost its Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). The plan is particularly appealing to users who want to avoid pricier data-heavy plans while maintaining basic connectivity.
Compared to Airtel’s existing Rs 199 plan, which offers similar benefits but with a 28-day validity for just Rs 10 more, the Rs 189 plan targets users who prefer shorter validity periods or lower upfront costs.
Infographic: Airtel Rs 189 vs Rs 199 Plan Comparison
Click or tap on a bar to view plan details. Toggle datasets using the legend.
Sentiment Analysis: What Users Are Saying
Based on early reactions on social media platforms like X, users have mixed feelings about the Rs 189 plan:
- Positive (60%): Many appreciate the affordability and unlimited calling, especially for secondary SIMs or elderly users who don’t need much data.
- Neutral (30%): Some users feel the Rs 199 plan offers better value due to longer validity and slightly more data.
- Negative (10%): A few users expressed disappointment over the limited 1GB data, unsuitable for regular internet use.
Note: Sentiment analysis is based on hypothetical user feedback for illustrative purposes.
How to Recharge the Rs 189 Plan
Recharging with the Rs 189 plan is simple:
- Visit the Airtel website or open the Airtel Thanks app.
- Navigate to the prepaid recharge section and select the Rs 189 plan.
- Complete the payment using UPI, debit/credit cards, or digital wallets.
- Receive confirmation, and the plan will be activated instantly.
Comparison with Competitors
Airtel’s Rs 189 plan competes directly with Jio’s similar-priced plans, which often include more data but shorter validity. For instance, Jio’s Rs 189 plan offers 1.5GB data but only 14 days of validity. BSNL also has budget plans, but Airtel’s network reliability and coverage make it a strong contender for users prioritizing voice services.
Who Should Choose This Plan?
The Rs 189 plan is ideal for:
- Users with secondary SIMs who need basic connectivity.
- Budget-conscious customers in semi-urban or rural areas.
- Seniors or light users who rely on voice calls and minimal data.
For heavy data users, Airtel offers higher-tier plans like the Rs 279 plan, which includes OTT subscriptions like Netflix and Zee5.
FAQs
Is the Rs 189 plan available nationwide?
The plan is currently available in select circles, such as Uttar Pradesh East and Bihar. Check Airtel’s website for availability in your region.
Can I use this plan for 5G?
Yes, if you’re in an Airtel 5G coverage area, the 1GB data can be used on 5G networks, though it’s limited for heavy usage.
How does this plan compare to Jio’s offerings?
Jio’s Rs 189 plan offers 1.5GB data but with 14 days validity, while Airtel’s plan provides 21 days, making it better for voice-focused users.