The Modi government has introduced a great benefit for mobile users. Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL users can now keep their SIM cards active for 30 days with just Rs 20.
This new rule ensures that users no longer have to worry about sudden signal loss. Here’s how this new rule works.
How the Government’s New Service Will Help Users
The government has introduced a service called Intra Circle Roaming (ICR), which allows users to make calls and use 4G services even if their SIM has lost signal.
This means that users from different networks can now share mobile towers funded by the government, ensuring better connectivity, especially in rural areas.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that telecom giants like BSNL, Airtel, and Reliance will share their networks, making the government’s Digital India Fund (DBN) more effective.
This fund supports the installation of mobile towers, improving connectivity in rural and remote areas.
TRAI’s New Rule for Keeping SIM Active
Under a new rule by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), users can keep their SIM cards active with just a minimum balance of Rs 20 in their account.
Previously, users had to do monthly recharges to keep their SIMs active, but now Rs 20 is enough to keep the number active for 90 days. However, some conditions apply.
Automatic Number Retention Scheme
TRAI’s Automatic Number Retention Scheme, applicable to all telecom operators like Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL, ensures that your number will remain active as long as you have a balance of Rs 20.
If you don’t use your SIM for 90 days (without data, calls, or SMS), only Rs 20 will be deducted, extending the validity by 30 days. This cycle will continue as long as there is balance in your account.
If there’s no balance, users will get a 15-day grace period before the SIM is deactivated. But remember, this rule doesn’t affect the validity of services like calls, SMS, or data.
Your SIM stays active with Rs 20, but you won’t be able to use these services until you recharge further.
This rule, which was introduced by TRAI in March 2013, is now being implemented by telecom companies like Jio, Airtel, and Vi, ensuring that you can keep your secondary SIM active at a low cost.
