Back in June 2024, Reliance Jio announced up to 25% hike on its prepaid and postpaid plans which arrived as a shock for the Jio users and it is now revealed that the company might be planning to hike its value plans as well.

If you don’t know about Jio Value plans, these are plans that are meant to keep your Jio SIM active at the lowest cost with unlimited voice calling and other benefits for a decent duration, however, there is no unlimited 5G or significant amount of 4G data included with these plans. Currently, there are three value plans- Rs. 189, Rs 479, and Rs 1899 and these plans arrive with unlimited voice calling. These are prepaid plans and have additional benefits per the plan.

Today tipster @yabhishekhd shared that Jio may soon hike value plans while there could now be 4 value plans.

Jio to hike value plans

As per the Jio data available on the Jio website, the Rs 479 plan will include Unlimited voice calls, 1000 SMS, and subscriptions to Jio Cinema, Jio TV, and Jio Cloud. The validity of this plan is 84 days.

The previous Rs 479 plan will now cost Rs 539 (price hike of Rs 60) and include unlimited voice calling, 1000 SMS, 6GB data, and subscriptions to Jio TV, Jio Cinema, and Jio Cloud. The validity of this plan is 84 days.

Then there is a new Rs 1999 plan that includes benefits like unlimited voice calling, up to 3600 SMS, and subscriptions to Jio TV, Jio Cinema, and Jio Cloud. The validity of this plan is 365 days.

The previous Rs 1899 plan will now cost Rs 2249 (price hike of Rs 350). It includes benefits like unlimited voice calling, up to 3600 SMS, 24GB Data, and subscriptions to Jio TV, Jio Cinema, and Jio Cloud. The validity of this plan is 336 days.

Do note that Jio Cinema premium is not included in a complimentary Jio Cinema subscription. Well, Jio has yet not made any official announcement but since the data is found onthe  Jio website, the company is expected to announce this price hike and a new value plan soon.

The post Jio To Soon Increase The Price Of Its Value Plans; Could Introduce A New Value Plan As Well appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has clarified regulations regarding inactive SIM cards, particularly addressing concerns of dual SIM users who maintain secondary SIMs for emergency purposes. These guidelines have become especially relevant following last July’s increase in recharge plan prices.

According to TRAI’s consumer handbook, a SIM card faces deactivation if it remains unused for more than 90 days. However, if the SIM has remaining prepaid balance, Rs 20 will be automatically deducted to extend its activation for an additional 30 days. In cases where the balance is insufficient, the SIM will be deactivated, preventing all communication services, and the number will eventually be recycled for new users.

Users need not worry immediately after the 90-day inactive period, as TRAI provides a 15-day grace period for reactivation. During this time, customers can reactivate their SIM by contacting customer care or visiting a company store. The regulatory body defines “non-usage” as the absence of any activity, including incoming or outgoing calls, messages, data sessions, or interactions with value-added services and payments.

In a related development, a new Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) facility was launched on January 17, enabling Jio, BSNL, and Airtel users to make calls using any available network when their primary network loses signal. This service operates through 4G mobile towers funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), allowing customers from any network to access 4G services through DBN-supported towers.

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India has implemented a new Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) service that allows mobile users to maintain connectivity even in areas with weak network signals. Launched on January 17, the service enables customers of BSNL, Jio, and Airtel to automatically connect to any available network when their primary network is unavailable.

The ICR service operates through mobile towers funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) program. Under this initiative, telecom providers can share infrastructure, allowing users to switch seamlessly between networks at the same tower location without incurring additional charges.

The government’s program aims to establish approximately 27,000 mobile towers to provide coverage to more than 35,000 villages. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia introduced the service, emphasizing its role in improving education, healthcare, and economic activities in underserved areas.

This marks a significant change from the previous system, where DBN-funded towers were restricted to use by the operators who installed them. The new shared infrastructure approach is expected to reduce the need for additional towers while improving resource utilization for telecom companies.

The service primarily benefits users in rural and remote areas, where network connectivity has traditionally been challenging. By allowing access to any available network at DBN-funded towers, the initiative aims to reduce dropped calls and improve data speeds across regions.

The post No Network? No Problem: Jio, Airtel, and BSNL Users Can Now Make Calls Anyway appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

While travelling abroad apart from all the pre-planning, you also need to look for a new SIM or international packs that allow you to stay connected with your friends and family while you can also use internet during you trip. But sometimes users need to pay roaming charges while the usage of internet is also restricted.

Holafly eSIM now solves this problem for the users as it can be used as a Global eSIM that offers unlimited data, fast and reliable internet, and no roaming charges. Though users need first to check if their device is compatible (unlocked and supports eSIM technology). Charges for the eSIM vary for a number of days and a number of eSIMs. For example- 1 eSIM for 1 day costs $9.90 USD, 1 eSIM for 10 days costs $64.90, 1 eSIM for 30 days costs $162.90 USD, and so on.

How does the Holafly eSIM for Global eSIM work?

• Select the destination and the number of days for your trip to get your eSIM with data
• Receive your QR code or manual installation code by mail and Whatsapp to install your eSIM
• Install your eSIM before the trip, activate the data once you have arrived at the destination to start enjoying the internet
• Control your plan through the Holafly app or at the Holafly Center

Advantages of using Holafly eSIM in Global eSIM

• Travel anywhere with the same eSIM, there no need for changes or extra activation
• Customize your plan
• You can call and message all your contacts on WhatsApp
• 24/7 customer support
• Immediate delivery
• Share up to 1GB of daily data with family, friends, or fellow travelers. Use your smartphone to create a WiFi network and connect multiple devices

Users need to keep in mind that the eSIM only includes data, it does not allow you to make cell phone calls or send SMS but you can use WhatsApp or Skype to call your contacts. Also, scan the QR code from your smartphone settings and add the data plan, but don’t activate it until you land at your destination. Users are advised to install your eSIM just 1 day before your trip, if you are already in a covered destination, data will start being used immediately.

Buy an international Global eSIM and enjoy seamless connectivity across 113 countries- America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania and more.

The post Save Roaming Charges And Get Unlimited Data While Travelling With Holafly Global eSIM appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

Users who travel abroad earlier need to hassle about buying a new SIM card to stay connected with their friends and family but these new SIM cards are often expensive and offer limited benefits which becomes a worrying situation. But the Indian telecom companies like Jio, Airtel, and Vi have come to the rescue of their users and introduced various international roaming plans so that the users can travel across the world while keeping their phone numbers active.

Though sometimes to avoid hefty charges, users sometimes use WiFi abroad to access the internet. Understanding the need of users for affordable roaming plans, Vi has now officially introduced unlimited data with Vi International Roaming Plans.

There are three postpaid plans that offer benefits like Unlimited Data, Unlimited outgoing calls local & to India, unlimited incoming calls, unlimited SMS, and 35/min for outgoing to the rest of the world. These benefits are available in 29 countries including the USA, UAE, United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, and more. The unlimited packs are Rs 749 for 24 hrs validity, Rs 3999 for 10 days validity, and Rs 4999 for 14 days validity.

There are three prepaid plans as well that offer benefits like Unlimited data, unlimited outgoing (local + To India) & Incoming calls, and Rs 15/outgoing messages. The packs are priced at Rs 3495 for 7 days validity, Rs 4695 for 10 days validity, and Rs 5195 for 14 days validity. These packs are available in 104 countries including Uthe SA, UAE, UK, Singapore, Thailand, and more.

To purchase one of the above plans, head to the International Roaming Plans page and enter the destination country and duration of travel. Then choose from the prepaid or postpaid plan that is suitable for your needs.

The post Vodafone Idea Introduces Unlimited Data Packs With Vi International Roaming Plans appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

If you are not a YouTube Premium subscriber, you might also have suffered watching those long ads in between a video, and sometimes, you can’t even skip those. Well, if you are a JioFiber or AirFiber user, then you will be getting relief from these YouTube ads as per Reliance Jio’s new bumper offer.

Enjoy ad-free YouTube on your big screen with JioAirFiber & JioFiber.
Get 24 months of YouTube Premium today.#JioAirFiber #JioFiber #YouTubePremium #WithLoveFromJio pic.twitter.com/JN864Ki7UP

— Reliance Jio (@reliancejio) January 11, 2025

As per the above announcement, Jio will offer YouTube Premium free for 24 months for JioFiber/AirFiber postpaid users who are active on Rs 888, Rs 1199, Rs 1499, Rs 2499, and Rs 3499 plans during this period.

With free YouTube Premium, users can watch videos on YouTube ad-free and enjoy other benefits like Background play while multitasking or when the screen is off, unlimited downloads to watch offline, and access to YouTube music with similar benefits, premium can also be used on multiple devices.

This offer will be helpful to a lot of individuals who spend a lot of time on YouTube or love to hear podcasts or watch videos in their free time, as they will be provided with a YouTube Premium subscription at no additional cost. All you require is a JioFiber or AirFiber with any of the above-mentioned postpaid plans.

Stay tuned with The Tech Outlook for more latest tech updates.

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Air India has become India’s first airline to offer Wi-Fi services on domestic flights. The service, launched January 1, 2025, is available on flights operated by Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The service follows a pilot program on international routes to New York, London, Paris, and Singapore. As with the domestic offer, Wi-Fi is complimentary for an introductory period. Passengers can connect multiple Wi-Fi-enabled devices once the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet.

Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Air India, said: “Connectivity is now an integral part of modern travel. For some, it is about the convenience and comfort of real-time sharing, while for others, it is about greater productivity and efficiency. Whatever be one’s purpose, we are confident that our guests will appreciate having the option of connecting to the web and enjoy the new Air India experience on board these aircraft.”

How to access Wi-Fi onboard Air India flights:

1. Enable Wi-Fi and go to Wi-Fi settings
2. Select the ‘Air India Wi-Fi’ network
3. Once redirected to the Air India portal, enter your PNR and last name
4. Access complimentary internet service

The airline notes that Wi-Fi connections depend on satellite connectivity, bandwidth usage, routes, and government restrictions. Air India plans to roll out the service to other aircraft in its fleet over time.

The service allows travelers to browse the internet, use social media, work, and message friends and family during flights within India.

The post Air India Launches In-Flight Wi-Fi Service, First for Domestic Routes in India appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

Reliance Jio has recently announced its Rs 2025 prepaid plan that provides services for a duration of 200 days and comes with several benefits, including unlimited 5G data access. And now the company has come up with a new affordable voucher for its users that is aimed to provide seamless connectivity to users.

The company has launched a Rs 601 5G upgrade voucher and

Rs 601 5G Upgrade Voucher

To access this upgrade voucher, users need to be subscribed to a Jio recharge plan that offers at least 1.5GB of 4G data per day. Popular plans like Rs 199, Rs 239, Rs 299, and others that come under the qualifying range. On purchasing this voucher, users will get unlimited 5G data for an entire year. The voucher will give you 12 upgrade vouchers, that can be activated anytime in 12 months. The voucher will be valid according to the base plan with a maximum duration of 30 days for each voucher. On activation, it will also unlock unlimited 5G data and increase the daily 4G quota of 3GB.

Users can either buy the Jio True 5G voucher for themselves or gift it to someone via the MyJio app or website.

Stay tuned with The Tech Outlook for more latest updates.

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BSNL has introduced three new digital communication services in Puducherry: Intranet TV (BiTV) for mobile, National Wi-Fi Roaming Facility, and fibre-based Intranet TV (IFTV).

The BiTV service provides BSNL mobile users in Puducherry access to over 300 live TV channels, including premium content, at no additional cost. Through OTTplay, users can access movies, web series, and documentaries in various languages. The service will expand to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand in January 2025, followed by a nationwide rollout.

OTTplay’s integration with BiTV offers users content from 37 OTT platforms and more than 500 live TV channels. “We are proud to provide BSNL customers with a world-class entertainment platform,” said Avinash Mudaliar, CEO of OTTplay. The service operates through a secure mobile intranet.

BSNL has also implemented the National Wi-Fi Roaming Facility in Manadipattu, making it the second village in India with full Wi-Fi coverage. The service is available to both BSNL and non-BSNL users, with BSNL customers’ usage billed to their plans while others can pay via UPI.

For FTTH users, BSNL’s new IFTV service in Puducherry offers more than 500 live TV channels free of cost, featuring high-definition streaming with simple subscription activation.

CMD Robert Ravi stated these initiatives align with BSNL’s goal of providing affordable digital services. The new services aim to make technology and entertainment accessible across different user segments.

The post BSNL Launches Three New Digital Services in Puducherry: BiTV, National Wi-Fi Roaming, and IFTV appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India or TRAI as commonly called, has released a new telecom subscription data as per on 31st of October 2024. The report paves way into the additions and declines of subscriber base in various segments, as well as the top gainers and losers of the respective segments.

Read more about it below.

Telecom Subscription Data – Key Gainers and Losers in Terms of Customer Base

As per the data released by TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), notably as of on the 31st of October 2024, the total broadband subscribers and total telephone subscribers amounts to 941.47 million and 1188.20 million respectively. Speaking more, 13.45 million subscribers submitted requests for MNP (Mobile Number Portability), bringing the cumulative MNP requests from 1039.11 million as on September 2024, to 1052.56 million as on 31st October 2024. To add, the number of active wireless subscribers in October 2024 is also reportedly 1066.67 million.

So who all are the key gainers and losers in terms of customer base?

Broadband Subscribers

Based on the data from 1175 operators in October 2024, the total broadband subscribers at the end of October 2024 is 941.47 million. This is a 0.31% monthly decline from the 944.40 million subscribers at the end of September 2024.

The top five wired service providers are Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. (14.79 million), Bharti Airtel Ltd. (8.91 million), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (4.22 million), Atria Convergence Technologies Ltd. (2.27 million), and Kerala Vision Broadband Ltd. (1.24 million).

In the wireless broadband service providers list, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. (460.02 million), Bharti Airtel Ltd. (278.76 million), Vodafone Idea Ltd. (125.43 million), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (32.15 million), and Intech Online Pvt. Ltd. (0.25 million) are on the top five list.

In total, wired + wireless, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. (474.81 million), Bharti Airtel Ltd. (287.67 million), Vodafone Idea Ltd. (125.43 million), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (36.38 million), and Atria Convergence Technologies Ltd. (2.27 million) have acquired top five positions.

Wireline Subscribers

From 36.93 million of September 2024, at the end of October 2024, wireline subscribers have increased to 37.79 million. This is a 2.31% monthly growth rate with 0.85 million added user base.

Based on the data of access service provider-wise net addition or decline in wireline subscribers during the month of October 2024, Reliance Jio received 6,85,337 more subscribers, Bharti Airtel received 2,20,002 more subscribers, Tata Tele. received 10,415 more subscribers, VMIPL received 1,001 more subscribers, Quadrant received 247 more subscribers, Reliance Com. lost 513 subscribers, APSFL lost 1,398 subscribers, MTNL lost 8,792 subscribers, Vodafone Idea lost 16,675 subscribers, and BSNL lost 35,953 subscribers.

Wireless Subscribers

The total number of wireless subscribers decreased monthly by 0.29%, from 1,153.72 million of September 2024 to 1,150.42 million at the end of October 2024.

About the net addition in wireless subscribers of access service providers in October 2024, Bharti Airtel received 19,28,263 more subscribers (0.50% growth), BSNL received 5,03,371 more subscribers (0.55% growth), MTNL lost 2,273 subscribers (0.12% loss), Vodafone Idea lost 19,77,162 subscribers (0.93% loss), and Reliance Jio lost 37,60,863 subscribers (0.81% loss).

M2M Cellular Mobile Connections

The M2M cellular mobile connections increased from 54.64 million of September 2024 to 56.12 million at the end of October 2024.

Bharti Airtel Ltd. reportedly has the highest number of M2M cellular mobile connections of 29.08 million (51.82% market), followed by Vodafone Idea Ltd. (26.75% market share), Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. (15.95% market share), and BSNL (5.48% market share).

Total Telephone Subscribers

The total number of telephone subscribers decreased from 1,190.66 million of September 2024 to 1,188.20 million at the end of October 2024, marking a 0.21% monthly decline.

Active Wireless Subscribers (VLR Data)

Of the 1,150.42 million wireless subscribers, it has been noted that 1066.77 million wireless subscribers were active on the date of peak VLR in October 2024 (92.73% in proportion). Bharti Airtel Ltd. has the highest proportion (99.48%) and MTNL the lowest (26.84%).

Here’s more detailed reports:

The post TRAI Releases New Telecom Subscription Data as on 31st of October 2024: Check Out the Top Gainers and Losers appeared first on The Tech Outlook.