Reliance Jio’s New Voice & SMS-Only Plans Spark Customer Backlash Over Data Restrictions

Reliance Jio, led by Mukesh Ambani, has once again stirred a heated debate in India’s telecom sector with its recently introduced voice and SMS-only recharge plans. While these plans were designed to offer cost-effective solutions for users who primarily rely on calls and text messaging, many customers have expressed frustration over the lack of flexibility, particularly regarding data usage.

The new offerings—Rs 448 (84 days) and Rs 1748 (336 days)—promise unlimited voice calls and a limited number of SMS benefits but do not allow users to add standard data booster packs. This has left many subscribers dissatisfied, as they find it impractical to use a mobile plan that lacks seamless data accessibility in today’s digital-first world.

Understanding Jio’s New Voice & SMS-Only Plans

Jio’s latest prepaid plans cater specifically to a niche group of customers who do not require mobile data on a daily basis. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these plans:

1. Rs 448 Plan

• Validity: 84 days
• Benefits:
  • Unlimited voice calls
  • Limited number of SMS (exact count not specified by Jio)
  • No bundled data (users cannot add standard data booster packs)

2. Rs 1748 Plan

• Validity: 336 days
• Benefits:
  • Unlimited voice calls
  • Limited number of SMS
  • No bundled data (users cannot add standard data booster packs)

These plans are specifically designed for individuals who primarily use their phones for calling and texting, such as elderly users or those who rely on separate Wi-Fi networks for internet access. However, the inability to add data booster packs has significantly limited their appeal.

Customer Frustration & Backlash on Social Media

As soon as Jio announced these new recharge options, many users took to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment. Several customers have criticized Jio for restricting data add-ons, arguing that it defeats the purpose of using a mobile phone in the modern era.

Here are some key concerns raised by customers:

1. Lack of Data Flexibility: Unlike regular plans, users on these voice and SMS packs cannot add standard data booster packs such as the Rs 69 or Rs 139 plans when they need data temporarily.
2. Limited Usability: Many customers feel that a mobile plan without data is highly impractical in an age where most services, including banking, UPI payments, navigation, and social media, require internet connectivity.
3. Confusing Data Recharge Options: While Jio has clarified that users can purchase separate data packs (such as Rs 11, Rs 19, Rs 29, Rs 49, Rs 175, Rs 219, Rs 289, and Rs 359), these packs come with their own limited validity and do not integrate seamlessly with the voice and SMS plans.
4. Missed Opportunity for Budget Users: Many consumers believe that Jio should have provided an option to add data as needed instead of forcing users to purchase separate data packs with restricted validity.

A User’s Frustration on X (Twitter)

One customer voiced their concern on X, stating:
“I thought Rs 448 was a great deal for calls and SMS, but now I find out I can’t even add a Rs 69 data pack when I need it? That makes no sense. In 2025, a phone plan without flexible data is almost useless!”

Many similar complaints have flooded social media, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction among Jio users.

Jio’s Official Response to Data Restrictions

JioCare responded to several user queries on social media, clarifying that standard data booster packs cannot be added to these voice and SMS-only plans. Instead, users must purchase separate data-only packs, which come with their own independent validity.

Jio’s explanation suggests that these plans are meant for customers who do not require data at all, rather than those who occasionally need mobile internet access.

Data-Only Packs Available for Voice & SMS Plan Users

Jio has listed a few standalone data packs that users on the Rs 448 and Rs 1748 plans can purchase:

However, many customers are unhappy with this approach, as these data packs do not align with the validity of their primary plan and are often seen as an inconvenient workaround.

Will Jio Revise These Plans?

Given the backlash, industry experts believe that Jio might eventually revise these plans to include some degree of flexibility for data add-ons. If the negative response continues, Jio may introduce a small data allowance within these plans or allow users to add data booster packs as per their needs.

However, Jio’s strategy suggests that the company is targeting a very specific demographic—users who do not require mobile data at all or have alternative means of internet access, such as broadband or public Wi-Fi.

Possible Solutions Jio Could Introduce

1. Allow Standard Data Boosters: Let users add data packs like Rs 69 or Rs 139 when needed.
2. Include Minimal Data in the Plan: Even 500MB per month would help users with basic online tasks.
3. Long-Term Data Add-Ons: Offer a 12-month data pack option instead of only short-term data plans.

Conclusion: A Step Forward or a Step Backward?

Jio’s voice and SMS-only plans are an interesting experiment aimed at a niche audience. However, the lack of data flexibility has made these plans less appealing for the average user.

While the Rs 448 and Rs 1748 plans may work for those who strictly use their phones for calling and texting, the majority of consumers find them impractical due to the inability to add data boosters seamlessly.

As customer frustration grows, it remains to be seen whether Jio will reconsider its stance or if users will simply opt for other plans that provide better flexibility and value.