Airtel Introduces ₹189 Prepaid Plan with Unlimited Calls and 1GB Data for 21 Days

Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecom operators, has quietly launched a new ₹189 prepaid recharge plan without any formal public announcement. Though under the radar, the plan is already available through the Airtel Thanks app and the company’s official website.

This new plan seems to be crafted for users who prioritize basic connectivity and calling benefits, rather than heavy internet use. It's an ideal option for light users or for keeping a secondary SIM active at a minimal cost.

What the ₹189 Airtel Prepaid Plan Offers

The new ₹189 prepaid plan comes with 21-day validity and includes the following benefits:

• Unlimited voice calling across all networks (local + STD)

• 1GB of mobile data for the entire validity period

• 300 SMS throughout the 21-day cycle

This recharge plan is clearly not intended for data-heavy users but is well-suited for customers who mainly use their phones for calls and occasional texting.

Who Should Opt for This Plan?

The ₹189 plan caters to a specific segment of users:

• Light data users who rely primarily on calling

• Secondary SIM holders looking for basic usage

• Senior citizens or minimal smartphone users

• Users in semi-urban and rural regions where network reliability and affordability are key

It’s also an excellent fit for those who want just enough coverage without committing to more expensive plans.

A Strategic Move to Strengthen Airtel’s Prepaid Portfolio

By introducing this plan, Airtel appears to be targeting the budget segment in a strategic move to retain low-revenue customers while gradually boosting its average revenue per user (ARPU).

This approach helps Airtel broaden its reach across different consumer tiers—from budget-focused users to those opting for premium OTT-packed bundles.

₹189 vs ₹199 Plan: Is It Worth Saving ₹10?

Airtel also offers a ₹199 prepaid plan that provides identical benefits—unlimited calling, 1GB of data, and 300 SMS—but with an extended 28-day validity.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Verdict: For just ₹10 more, users can get an extra 7 days of service, making the ₹199 plan a better value. However, the ₹189 plan fulfills a clear niche for those looking to spend the bare minimum.

Complements Airtel’s Diverse Recharge Strategy

Airtel’s prepaid recharge strategy now spans from entry-level voice-first plans like ₹189 to premium offerings such as the ₹279 plan, which includes OTT subscriptions like Netflix, Zee5, and Disney+ Hotstar.

This clearly indicates Airtel’s effort to:

• Serve content-savvy customers with entertainment bundles

• Address the essential needs of cost-conscious users with minimalist plans like ₹189

It reflects a balanced approach to customer segmentation, ensuring Airtel stays competitive in India’s diverse telecom market.

How to Recharge with the ₹189 Plan

Users can avail this plan through:

• Airtel Thanks app

• Airtel official website

• Retail recharge outlets

Since it’s a newly launched and relatively silent rollout, customers are advised to check availability region-wise as some plans may vary by telecom circle.

Conclusion: A Cost-Effective Option for Basic Needs

The new ₹189 prepaid plan by Airtel is a cost-effective solution for users who value unlimited calls and light data use, without committing to longer validity or OTT services. It enhances Airtel’s appeal among budget users while creating options for flexible spending.

Whether you're maintaining a second SIM or simply need a short-term calling plan, this new offering fits the bill.