The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced updated guidelines allowing SIM cards from major operators like Jio, Airtel, BSNL, and Vi to remain active for up to 120 days with a prepaid balance of just ₹20. The move aims to benefit users who rely on secondary SIMs or prefer minimal recharges, ensuring uninterrupted service at a low cost.
Under these rules, a SIM card will be classified as inactive if there is no usage for 90 days, such as making calls, sending messages, using mobile data, or engaging with value-added services. However, if a prepaid balance of ₹20 is maintained, telecom operators will extend the SIM’s validity by another 30 days, making the total active period 120 days without requiring a full recharge.
Each telecom operator has slightly different policies regarding inactive SIMs. Jio and Vi users can keep their SIMs active for 90 days without recharge, after which ₹20 will be deducted for an additional 30-day extension. Airtel offers a similar policy with a 15-day grace period after the initial 90 days. BSNL provides the most extended validity, allowing SIMs to stay active for 180 days without requiring a recharge.
TRAI’s definition of inactivity includes no incoming or outgoing calls, no SMS, or data usage. If a SIM remains unused beyond the grace period and lacks the ₹20 balance, it will be deactivated. The number will then be recycled and reassigned to new users as per telecom regulations.
These guidelines are designed to support users who use secondary SIM cards or emergency backup numbers. The policy reduces the frequency of mandatory recharges and helps users avoid unnecessary costs while maintaining continuous service. Users are advised to monitor their balances to take full advantage of these new regulations.
