Jio’s new voice and SMS-only plans face consumer backlash: Data add-ons not allowed

financialexpress.com:

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio recently introduced new voice and SMS-only plans, but they haven’t been well received by many users. Consumers have expressed frustration, arguing that in today’s digital age, data is an essential need, and any recharge plan that doesn’t include data feels like a pointless purchase.

Now a TelecomTalk report states that the operator does not allow customers with these plans to recharge with data boosters or data packs. This was further confirmed by Jio on X.

Jio introduced two distinct voice and SMS-only plans aimed at providing budget-friendly options for customers who primarily use their phones for calling and texting:

— Rs 448 Plan – Valid for 84 days, it includes unlimited voice calls and a limited number of SMS benefits.

— Rs 1748 Plan – Valid for 336 days, offering similar benefits, with unlimited voice calls and a capped SMS limit.
While these plans are a good option for users who do not require data on a regular basis, the inability to add data vouchers has become a significant drawback. Customers have expressed frustration on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), noting that this limitation reduces the flexibility of these otherwise cost-effective plans.

Jio has clarified its stance regarding data recharges for users on voice and SMS-only plans. In a response to a user query on X, JioCare stated that customers with these plans cannot add data boosters such as the Rs 69 or Rs 139 packs, even if they need data temporarily. Jio’s explanation highlights that while users can recharge with specific data-only packs (such as Rs 11, Rs 19, Rs 29, Rs 49, Rs 175, Rs 219, Rs 289, Rs 359), these are separate from the voice and SMS plans and come with their own limited validity.