The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced measures to simplify SIM card retention for users. Under the Automatic Number Retention Scheme, prepaid users of Jio, BSNL, Airtel, and Vi can now keep their SIM cards active for up to four months with a minimal recharge of Rs 20. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the new guidelines and how they affect users.

Key Points from TRAI’s Guidelines

Applies to Major Telecom Operators: Jio, BSNL, Airtel, and Vi users are all covered under the new retention policy.

90-Day Inactivity Rule: SIMs will be deactivated if there is no usage (calls, data, or SMS) and no active recharge for 90 days.

Number Reassignment: Deactivated numbers may be reassigned to new users.

Minimal Recharge: A recharge of Rs 20 is sufficient to keep the SIM active for three months.

Grace Period for Users: Users have a 15-day grace period after inactivity to top up their account before disconnection.

Extended Validity with Auto-Deduction: Rs 20 will be auto-deducted from the account balance if inactivity continues, extending validity by 30 days.

Blocking of Services: Deactivation blocks incoming calls and critical services like OTPs.

Detailed Breakdown of TRAI’s Guidelines

Automatic Number Retention Scheme Overview

TRAI’s guidelines apply to all major telecom operators in India. The initiative ensures that inactive SIMs do not occupy network resources indefinitely while offering users affordable options to maintain their connections.

90-Day Inactivity Threshold

SIM cards without any usage or recharge for 90 consecutive days will be flagged for deactivation. This includes inactivity in voice calls, data usage, SMS, or other telecom services.

Keeping Your SIM Active

Recharge with Rs 20: Ensure your SIM remains active for 90 days with a minimum Rs 20 recharge.

Additional Validity: After 90 days, Rs 20 will be deducted from the account balance to extend the validity for another 30 days.

Grace Period: Users who fail to recharge within the 90-day window are given a 15-day grace period before permanent deactivation.

Deactivation and Its Impact

Once a SIM is deactivated:

Incoming calls and SMS services, including OTPs, are blocked.

The number is deregistered from the user’s account and may be reassigned to another user.

Background of the Guidelines

Although the Automatic Number Retention Scheme was first introduced in 2013, enforcement has been inconsistent across telecom operators. TRAI’s renewed push for compliance ensures fairness and efficiency in number management.

Why These Guidelines Matter

For Users:
The low-cost recharge option reduces financial stress for prepaid customers and ensures essential services remain uninterrupted.

For Telecom Operators:
The stricter implementation of deactivation rules optimizes resource utilization, allowing inactive numbers to be reassigned.

Conclusion

TRAI’s Automatic Number Retention Scheme is a user-centric initiative aimed at providing cost-effective options for keeping SIMs active. By recharging with Rs 20 and staying informed about the rules, users can avoid losing access to critical mobile services. If you’re a Jio, BSNL, Airtel, or Vi user, make sure to follow these guidelines to maintain uninterrupted connectivity.