Airtel’s new ₹189 prepaid pack offers unlimited voice calls, 1 GB of data and 300 SMS over 21 days. We explain who it’s best for, compare it with competing plans and share smart tips for light users.

Updated 28 September 2025

Did you know that Airtel’s most affordable unlimited-calling pack costs less than the price of a dinner? Bharti Airtel quietly introduced the ₹189 prepaid recharge plan in July 2025, targeting users who rarely consume mobile data. Unlike daily‑data packs, this plan gives you 1 GB of data, unlimited voice calls and 300 SMS for the entire 21‑day validity, making it ideal for keeping a secondary SIM active or maintaining basic connectivity. While the pack is live on Airtel’s app and website, many customers still don’t know whether it offers good value or how it stacks up against similar plans. In this guide, we break down the benefits, limitations and smarter alternatives so you can make an informed choice.

What exactly does Airtel’s ₹189 plan include?

Airtel’s ₹189 plan sits below the popular ₹199 pack and differs in several crucial areas. According to Airtel’s published benefits and independent reports from news outlets such as GoodReturns and India TV, the plan offers the following:

At a glance

• Daily cost – The effective cost works out to roughly ₹9 per day (₹189 ÷ 21), making it affordable for short‑term use.
• User profile – Ideal for secondary SIMs, rural users or those who need a temporary validity extension without large data bundles.
• Activation – Rechargeable via the Airtel Thanks app, official website and third‑party platforms.

Why did Airtel launch a ₹189 plan?

A strategic move to retain budget users

Airtel’s move is part of a broader strategy to retain low‑revenue customers while nudging its average revenue per user (ARPU) higher. Industry reports point out that the plan seems targeted at light users and secondary SIM holders, particularly in semi‑urban or rural regions. By offering unlimited calling at a lower price point, Airtel aims to keep cost‑conscious subscribers from defecting to competitors.

Limited data by design

By including only 1 GB of total data, Airtel signals that this plan is not meant for streaming or heavy browsing. Users who exhaust the 1 GB allotment can continue to make calls but must purchase data top‑up vouchers separately. This keeps the base price low while giving Airtel a chance to upsell data add‑ons.

Competitive positioning

The telco faces stiff competition from Reliance Jio, which offers a more generous ₹189 plan. As we’ll see later, Jio includes 2 GB of data and longer validity for the same price. By undercutting Jio on price per day but not on features, Airtel tries to balance affordability with profitability.

Who should consider the ₹189 plan?

Understanding whether this plan fits your usage pattern is key. The following profiles are most likely to benefit:

• Secondary or dormant SIM users – People who keep a SIM active for bank OTPs or occasional calls. The 21‑day validity maintains service without expensive monthly plans.
• Budget‑conscious users – Students, seniors or rural customers who prioritise calls over data and rarely stream or browse.
• Temporary travellers – Those needing a short‑term plan to stay connected during a brief trip without long commitments.

When the ₹189 plan may not suffice

• Data‑hungry users – If you regularly watch videos or join online classes, 1 GB of data will disappear quickly. In such cases, a daily data pack or a plan with a higher data allowance will be cheaper per GB.
• SMS‑intensive users – The 300‑SMS limit may be restrictive if you rely heavily on text messaging. Airtel’s ₹199 plan grants 100 SMS per day
• Hello Tunes/OTT subscribers – The ₹189 plan has no freebies such as Hello Tunes, Amazon Prime or Disney+ Hotstar. Airtel’s entertainment‑focused plans starting at ₹279 bundle OTT subscriptions

Comparing Airtel ₹189 with other prepaid options

Airtel ₹189 vs. Airtel ₹199: Is the extra ₹10 worth it?

Airtel’s own ₹199 plan costs just ₹10 more but offers longer validity and more generous SMS. It provides 28 days of service, 2 GB of data and 100 SMS per day, along with free Hello Tunes. For most users, the daily cost difference is negligible (₹7.11 vs. ₹9), but the benefits are substantial. If you can spare an extra ₹10, the ₹199 plan is generally a better value. However, if you need only a three‑week validity extension or plan to add your own data packs, the ₹189 plan might still suffice.

Airtel ₹189 vs. Reliance Jio ₹189: A head‑to‑head comparison

Reliance Jio’s plan offers more features for the same price:

Verdict: Jio’s offering clearly provides more value for money if the network quality in your area is good. You get a longer validity, double the data allowance and extra perks. Airtel’s plan may still appeal to those who prefer the company’s network or need only a short validity to keep a number active. If you have dual SIMs, using Jio for data and Airtel for calls could be a cost‑effective combination.

Airtel ₹189 vs. Vi and BSNL

While Vodafone Idea (Vi) and BSNL currently do not offer exact ₹189 plans, they provide low‑cost vouchers around ₹200. Vi’s ₹199 pack includes 2 GB of data, unlimited calls and 18 days validity, while BSNL’s ₹187 plan offers 3 GB of data and 28 days validity. However, network coverage for Vi and BSNL may vary widely, so check service quality in your area before deciding.

Real‑world experiences: Does the plan deliver on its promises?

Case study: Keeping a secondary number alive

“I use the ₹189 pack for my secondary SIM that I keep mainly for OTPs and family calls. The 21‑day validity fits well with my salary cycle, and I rarely need the 1 GB of data. If I do, I top up with a data voucher. It’s cheap enough not to worry about.” – Amit, 32, small‑business owner.

Amit’s experience shows that the ₹189 plan works well for occasional users who want to ensure their number doesn’t get deactivated. Similar feedback from rural customers indicates that unlimited voice calls are the main attraction, while the limited data is seen as a trade‑off.

Issues to watch out for

• Limited availability – When the plan launched, it was only listed in selected circles such as Uttar Pradesh (East) and Bihar. Availability has since expanded, but it may still be region‑specific.
• Top‑up costs – Buying data add‑ons can quickly erase the savings from the ₹189 plan. Airtel charges around ₹58 for 3 GB and ₹118 for 12 GB of top‑up data, so heavy users should avoid this base pack.
• Network quality – In some areas, Jio’s network may offer better speeds and call quality, as independent network analytics reports regularly rank Jio higher. Evaluate network performance before choosing a plan solely on price.

Expert insights and industry context

Telecom analysts see Airtel’s ₹189 pack as part of a broader shift towards tiered prepaid offerings. Tanay Singh Thakur of TelecomTalk notes that the ₹189 plan is effectively 34 % more expensive than Jio’s plan on a per‑day basis, yet still fills a niche for users loyal to Airtel’s network. Gadgets360 reports that the ₹189 pricing is available only in specific circles, suggesting a test‑and‑learn strategy before wider rollout

Policy analysts also point out that India’s telecom sector is preparing for further tariff hikes, which could make today’s low‑cost plans more attractive. Industry predictions suggest that both Airtel and Jio may revise tariffs in late 2025, so locking in long‑term validity now could save money later.

Tips to maximise value from the ₹189 pack

1. Monitor data usage – Since the plan includes only 1 GB of data, keep tabs on your consumption. Disable auto‑update for apps and use Wi‑Fi where available. Android’s data‑saver mode can help stretch the allotment.
2. Utilise voice calls – Take advantage of the unlimited calling by shifting WhatsApp or FaceTime calls to regular voice calls, especially in areas with limited internet coverage.
3. Combine with free Wi‑Fi hotspots – Many cafes, malls and public spaces offer free Wi‑Fi. Using these can help you preserve the 1 GB limit.
4. Use SMS wisely – With only 300 SMS, group your messages and avoid sending one‑word texts. Messaging apps like Telegram or WhatsApp use data and may be preferable if you still have data left.
5. Compare with top‑up options – Evaluate if buying a data voucher plus the ₹189 pack makes sense or if you should switch to the ₹199 plan, which offers more data at a similar cost per day.

Quick tip: If you recharge monthly, consider alternating between the ₹189 and ₹199 packs. Use the ₹189 plan during months with heavier travel or reduced screen time and switch to ₹199 when you expect to stream or chat more.

Future outlook: Will Airtel revise this plan?

The ₹189 plan originally started as a trial in a few telecom circles and gradually expanded. According to Mint, Airtel’s plan comes amid a series of affordable packs with entertainment bundles Analysts believe Airtel may tweak the benefits or price based on uptake. For instance, the company may increase data allowance or include basic Hello Tunes to compete more directly with Jio. Tariff rationalisation across the sector could also lead to price adjustments.

Conclusion: Is the Airtel ₹189 plan right for you?

Airtel’s ₹189 prepaid plan is a niche offering tailored for voice‑centric users. It delivers excellent value if your priority is unlimited calling and you seldom use mobile data. The low price and 21‑day validity make it perfect for keeping a secondary number active or bridging short gaps between major recharges. However, the 1 GB data limit, total of 300 SMS and lack of extras mean heavy users should look elsewhere. The competing Jio plan clearly outshines Airtel’s offering in terms of data, SMS and per‑day cost

Before recharging, weigh your actual usage habits against the offerings. If you value Airtel’s network and need only basic connectivity, the ₹189 plan is a worthy choice. But if you depend on data or want to stretch your validity, the ₹199 plan—or Jio’s equivalent—provides better value.