TRAI Revises Prepaid SIM Deactivation Rules, Offers Relief to Users
New Delhi: In a major relief for prepaid mobile users, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has clarified rules regarding the deactivation of inactive SIM cards. Under the new guidelines, a prepaid SIM will stay active as long as the account balance is Rs 20 or more, even if the user does not make calls, send texts, or use mobile data.
Key Updates in the Regulation
Previously, prepaid users were forced to recharge frequently, often Rs 199 or more per month, to keep their SIM cards active. TRAI has now replaced this system with a more flexible validity mechanism:
- A prepaid SIM will be deactivated if it remains unused for 90 days (no calls, SMS, or data usage).
- If the balance is Rs 20 or more, Rs 20 will be deducted automatically, extending the validity by 30 days.
- This process will continue as long as the balance stays above Rs 20.
- If the balance drops below Rs 20, the SIM will be deactivated.
- Users can reactivate their number within 15 days by recharging with at least Rs 20.
Who Will Benefit?
This update applies exclusively to prepaid users and is especially beneficial for those who rarely use their phones. Senior citizens, individuals with secondary SIMs, and those keeping SIMs for emergencies will particularly benefit from this change.
By eliminating the need for frequent recharges, TRAI’s new rule ensures greater convenience while preventing users from losing inactive mobile numbers unnecessarily.
