Category: Telecom

Key Highlights

• Airtel and Vi offer affordable IPL streaming packs with JioHotstar
• Airtel packs are add-ons and require an active base plan
• Vi offers both data vouchers and standalone packs with full benefits

With IPL 2025 just around the corner, telecom giants Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have introduced new recharge packs. They now include free access to JioHotstar, the all-in-one streaming platform born from the merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. Whether you are a cricket lover or a binge-watcher, these plans offer a budget-friendly way to stream IPL matches and much more in 4K. Here’s a quick look at the new prepaid plans and data vouchers offered by Airtel and Vi.

Also Read | Watch IPL 2025 In 4K With Free JioHotstar Premium: Full Offer Details Inside

Airtel Cricket Packs With JioHotstar Subscription

Airtel users can now choose from two affordable cricket packs that come with complimentary access to JioHotstar:

Rs. 100 Pack

• 5GB additional data
• 30 days of JioHotstar access
• Validity: 30 days
• Note: No calling or SMS benefits

Rs. 195 Pack

• 15GB data
• 90 days of JioHotstar subscription
• Validity: 90 days
• Note: Requires an active base plan

These are ideal add-on packs for Airtel users who already have an active recharge plan and want a simple way to stream cricket on the go.

Vi Packs To Stream IPL And More

Vodafone Idea has also launched similar offers, giving its customers multiple options to enjoy IPL streaming without stretching their budget.

Rs. 101 Data Voucher

• 5GB data
• 90 days of JioHotstar access
• Validity: 30 days
• Requires an active base plan

Rs. 239 Standalone Pack

• Unlimited calls
• 2GB data + 300 SMS
• 28-day JioHotstar subscription
• Validity: 28 days

Also Read | How To Watch IPL 2025: Schedule, Streaming, And Everything You Need To Know

Rs. 399 Standalone Pack

• Unlimited calls
• 2GB data per day + 100 SMS per day
• 28-day JioHotstar access
• Validity: 28 days

The Rs. 239 and Rs. 399 packs are standalone plans, so you don’t need a separate base recharge to use them. So, let the cricket fever begin.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.

Key Highlights

• Free JioHotstar Premium for 90 days
• Watch IPL 2025 in 4K on four devices
• 50-day free JioFiber or AirFiber trial

We are here with some exciting news for cricket fans. After recently launching a Rs. 100 prepaid plan for cricket lovers, Reliance Jio has now come up with a bigger and better offer. Called the Jio Unlimited Offer, this new deal brings free JioHotstar Premium for 90 days, just in time for IPL 2025. Also, you can get free JioFiber or AirFiber trial for your home. Whether you are a new user or an existing one, this offer is a great way to enjoy your favorite matches and OTT content in 4K quality.

Also Read | How To Watch IPL 2025: Schedule, Streaming, And Everything You Need To Know

What’s Included In The Jio Unlimited Offer?

• 90 Days of JioHotstar Premium Access: Users will get free JioHotstar Premium for 90 days. In this, you can stream all IPL 2025 matches in 4K resolution. You will also get ad-free content (excluding live sports) and the ability to watch on up to four devices, mobile or TV.
• Available for Rs. 299 Plans or Above: To avail the offer, simply recharge your Jio SIM with a Rs. 299 or higher plan between March 17 and March 31, 2025. These plans include 1.5GB or more data per day.
• New SIM or Recharge at Nearby Stores: You can visit any Jio store, Reliance Digital, Digital Xpress Mini, or Jio retailer to get a new SIM or recharge your existing one. Don’t forget to carry your ID and address proof like Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License.
• Already Recharged? Just Add Rs. 100: If you have already recharged with Rs. 299 or above before March 17, you will need to take an Rs. 100 add-on pack to enjoy this new unlimited offer.
• Free 50-Day Trial of JioFiber or AirFiber: The deal also includes a 50-day free trial of JioFiber or Jio AirFiber, offering unlimited Wi-Fi, 800+ TV channels, and access to 11+ OTT platforms, including Star Sports Network channels.

Also Read | Netflix Moments: What Is It? How To Capture And Share Screenshots?

When Does It Start?

The offer becomes active from March 22, 2025, which is also the opening day of IPL 2025. So, if you’re ready to watch IPL 2025 like never before, now’s the time to grab this Jio Unlimited Offer and enjoy premium entertainment at home and on the go.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.

Key Highlights

• JioHotstar offers budget-friendly cricket streaming
• Rs. 195 plan: 15GB data + ad-supported JioHotstar
• Rs. 949 plan: 2GB daily data + unlimited calls

Just in time for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, Reliance Jio has launched a new prepaid recharge plan designed for cricket fans. This plan includes a free JioHotstar subscription, giving users access to live cricket matches, movies, TV shows, anime, and more. Additionally, it comes with a Cricket Data Pack for seamless streaming.

Also Read | How To Claim Up To Rs 61 Free Data From Reliance Jio: Plan Details And Guide

Rs. 195 Prepaid Plan: What’s Included?

• Free ad-supported JioHotstar subscription
• 15GB of high-speed internet (valid for 90 days)
• Reduced speed of 64kbps after data limit is used
• Needs an existing Jio prepaid base plan
• Available for Rs. 195

Rs. 949 Prepaid Plan: More Benefits

• Free ad-supported JioHotstar subscription
• 2GB of high-speed 5G data each day
• Get unlimited voice calls and 100 SMS each day
• Access to JioTV, JioCloud and more apps
• Available for Rs. 949

How To Activate Jio Prepaid Plan?

Follow these simple steps to get started:

Step 1: Ensure you have an active Jio prepaid base plan before purchasing the add-on pack

Step 2: Visit the MyJio app, Jio website, or a nearby Jio retailer to recharge with Rs. 195 or Rs. 949 plan.

Step 3: Once the recharge is complete, log in to the JioHotstar app with your registered Jio number.

Step 4: Start watching live cricket matches, TV shows, movies, anime, and more on your mobile device.

Also Read | Want To Cancel Your Disney+ Hotstar Subscription? Here’s How

Is This Plan Worth It?

• Affordable streaming option for cricket lovers
• Bundled data pack for smooth streaming
• Limited to mobile streaming in 720p resolution
• Ad-supported model may not be ideal for everyone

Jio is clearly targeting India’s massive cricket audience. With IPL around the corner, more users are expected to join. If you love cricket and entertainment on a budget, this plan might be worth considering.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.

Key Highlights

• Vi launched a baggage protection service for postpaid users
• Available for Rs. 99, it offers Rs. 19,800 per bag if lost beyond 96 hours
• Users must register and report lost baggage within 24 hours

Traveling internationally can be exciting, but lost or delayed baggage can ruin the experience. To help its users avoid such issues, Vodafone Idea has launched a new baggage protection service for its postpaid customers in India. This service is introduced in partnership with US-based Blue Ribbon Bags to provide extra security while traveling.

Also Read | Google Upgrades Find My Device Network: Five Features You Need To Know

Vi’s Baggage Protection Service: Features

• Exclusive for Postpaid Users: The service is available only for Vi postpaid users who recharge with an international roaming plan.
• Partnered with Blue Ribbon Bags: A trusted lost baggage concierge service will handle tracking and compensation.
• Affordable Add-On: Users can activate this service for an additional cost of Rs. 99.
• Compensation for Lost Bags: If a user’s baggage is not returned within 96 hours, they will receive Rs. 19,800 per bag.
• Maximum Coverage: Compensation is available for up to two lost or delayed bags per user.

How The Service Works

• Vi postpaid users must first recharge their SIM with a valid international roaming plan.
• Users can opt for the add-on baggage protection service by paying Rs. 99.
• Before traveling, users need to register their baggage details with the Blue Ribbon Bags.
• If baggage is lost or delayed, users must file a complaint with both the airline and Blue Ribbon Bags within 24 hours of landing.
• Blue Ribbon Bags will track the missing luggage and try to return it. If not found within 96 hours, compensation of Rs. 19,800 per bag (up to two bags) will be provided.

Also Read | Find My Device Compatible JioTag Go Android Tracker Debuts At Rs. 1,499

Why This Service Is Useful

• With over 36 million bags mishandled globally in 2024 (as per SITA’s report), this service offers much-needed protection.
• Blue Ribbon Bags will handle the entire tracking process.
• Users can travel with confidence, knowing they have financial coverage in case of baggage loss.
• At just Rs. 99, this add-on provides significant value.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.

Key Highlights

• Airtel flagged 8 billion spam calls in 2.5 months
• 252 million customers were alerted
• Delhi and Gujarat led in spam activity

Within two and a half months, Bharti Airtel has identified over 8 billion spam calls and 0.8 billion spam SMSes in a groundbreaking anti-spam campaign. Airtel has lessened the effect of spam by identifying about a million spammers per day and warning 252 million customers with its AI-powered spam detection system.

Also Read | How To Stop/ Deactivate Airtel, Vodafone, BSNL, JIO SIM Flash Messages On Android, iOS?

Airtel’s Spam-Fighting Initiative Highlights

AI-Powered Solution Launched In September

Airtel introduced its advanced AI solution to detect and alert customers about spam calls and messages in real time.

Massive Scale Of Spam

• Over 6 percent of all calls on Airtel’s network were flagged as spam.
• 2 percent of SMSes were identified as spam.

Impact On Customers

• 252 million unique customers received spam alerts.
• A 12 percent decline in customers answering spam calls was observed.

Landlines: A Surprising Contributor

• 35 percent of spam calls originated from landline numbers.

Geographical Trends

• Spam call targets: Delhi led, followed by Andhra Pradesh and western Uttar Pradesh.
• Spam call origin: Delhi topped with Mumbai and Karnataka trailing.
• Spam SMS origins: Gujarat led, followed by Kolkata and Uttar Pradesh.
• Spam SMS targets: Customers in Mumbai, Chennai, and Gujarat were the most affected.

Spam Patterns

• 76 percent of spam calls targeted male customers.
• Peak spam activity occurred between 12 PM and 3 PM with volumes rising throughout the day.

Regulatory Measures And Results

TRAI Guidelines

• Telecom providers were instructed to implement spam control strategies such as real-time spam detection and URL whitelisting. These rules are met by Airtel’s solution.

DND Numbers And Prefixes

• Service and transactional calls use a 160 prefix.
• Promotional calls appear from 140-prefixed numbers for non-DND subscribers.

Also Read | Keep Spam At Bay: Here’s How To Activate DND On Airtel

Complaint Reduction

Between August and October, the number of registered complaints regarding spam decreased by 20 percent, reaching 1.51 lakh in October.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.

Key Highlights

• TRAI’s traceability rule, effective December 11, 2024
• Messages with undefined routes will be rejected
• The rule aims to reduce spam and cybercrime

A new traceability rule has been issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in an attempt to address the growing issue of online fraud and cybercrimes. The rule is set to come into effect on December 11, 2024. From the sender to the recipient, it aims to trace the path of commercial telemarketing messages, particularly OTPs. This will make it easier to spot and put an end to fraudulent activity.

Also Read | Premium Mobile Number: Here’s How To Get It From Vodafone-Idea

Purpose

Telecom providers will be able to follow the path of every commercial message from sender to recipient. This contains communications that are frequently used in cybercrimes, such as OTPs. Authorities are able to detect fraudulent senders by following the flow of the message.

Extended Deadline

The traceability rule was initially scheduled to go into effect on November 1, 2024. However, telecom companies including Vodafone-Idea, Jio, and Airtel asked for an extension. After that, the deadline was rescheduled for November 30 and has since been extended until December 11, 2024.

Rejection Of Unidentified Messages

Any commercial messages, including OTPs, that do not follow the pre-approved route or have an unclear sender’s chain will be refused as of December 11, 2024. This implies that the recipient will not receive any telemarketing or OTP messages delivered through unapproved channels.

Tracking Fake OTP Messages

One of the biggest benefits of this rule is the ability to trace fake OTP messages. If you ever fall victim to a fraudulent OTP, telecom companies will be able to identify where the message came from. This feature will help stop cybercriminals from exploiting this method for illegal activities.

Stopping Spam, Fraud

This traceability rule will also help in reducing spam messages and unwanted calls. By tracking where the messages come from and ensuring they follow a legitimate path, the rule will make it much harder for spammers and fraudsters to reach users.

Also Read | Keep Spam At Bay: Here’s How To Activate DND On Airtel

Benefits To Mobile Users

• By tracking the path of messages, telecom companies will be able to easily identify suspicious or fraudulent activity, leading to increased security for mobile users.
• With the growing number of spam calls and fake messages, the new traceability rule comes as a huge relief to millions of users. It will make sure that they are protected from unwanted messages, especially those that might try to steal sensitive information.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.

Key Highlights

• New Mobile Number Portability rules from July 1, 2024, aim to prevent SIM swap fraud
• They introduce a seven-day waiting period for issuing UPCs after a SIM swap
• These changes enhance security and protect users’ phone numbers

Starting today (July 1, 2024), the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will implement new rules for Mobile Number Portability (MNP). These changes aim to make mobile phones safer from fraud. One of the key changes is a seven-day waiting period for issuing Unique Porting Codes (UPCs). This is an important move to stop scammers from using your number without permission.

Also Read | How To Update And Change Mobile Number On Aadhaar Card Online

New MNP Policy: What Is It?

The new rules are designed to fight a type of scam called SIM swap fraud. In this scam, criminals get a new SIM card for your number and use it to steal your personal data or money. The new rules make it harder for scammers to do this by adding more checks before a UPC is issued.

Key Changes

• Seven-Day Waiting Period: If you get a new SIM card, you have to wait seven days before you can get a UPC. This is to make sure that the request is genuine and not a scam.
• Stricter Criteria for UPC: There are now stricter rules to get a UPC. If you request a UPC within seven days of a SIM swap, your request will be rejected.

Why TRAI Changed The MNP Policy

TRAI implemented these changes to safeguard mobile users from fraud. By adding a waiting period after a SIM swap, they hope to stop scammers from easily getting a UPC and stealing your number. This change is meant to make the MNP system safer and more reliable.

How Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Works

MNP allows switching mobile service providers without changing your phone number. To do this, you need a Unique Porting Code. The UPC is like a special key that allows you to move your number from one network to another.

Security Through The New MNP Policy

The new rules are a proactive step by TRAI to keep your mobile number safe. By delaying the UPC issuance after a SIM swap, they add an extra layer of security. This makes it harder for scammers to port your number without your permission. The waiting period gives enough time to detect and stop fraudulent activities.

Benefits Of The New Rules

• Enhanced Security: The waiting period makes it harder for scammers to quickly use your number.
• Consumer Protection: It helps protect your personal and financial information.
• Trust in MNP System: With these changes, people can trust the MNP process more.

Also Read | SIM Provisioned Error: Here’s How To Resolve

Conclusion

The new MNP rules starting from July 1, 2024, are a significant step towards making mobile phone usage safer. By adding a seven-day waiting period for UPC issuance, TRAI aims to protect users from SIM swap fraud. This change ensures that only genuine requests for number portability are processed, keeping your mobile number and personal information secure.

Key Highlights

• Airtel has raised its prepaid and postpaid tariffs by 11-21%, effective July 3, 2024
• Monthly, 2-month, 3-month, annual plans, and add-ons now cost more
• The hikes follow Airtel’s Rs. 6,857 crore investment in 97MHz spectrum for 5G services

Airtel has announced a significant hike in its prepaid and postpaid tariffs. This comes just a day after Reliance Jio increased its own prices. The price hikes range from 11-21 percent and will affect monthly, 2-month, 3-month, and annual plans, as well as add-ons. These new prices will be effective from July 3, 2024, the same day Jio’s new prices come into effect.

Also Read | Airtel Xstream AirFiber: How To Buy And Set Up Wireless Home Wi-Fi Connection

New Prepaid Tariffs

Here are the revised monthly prepaid plans:

• Rs. 199 (old price Rs. 179): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 2GB of data for 28 days.
• Rs. 299 (old price Rs. 265): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 1GB of daily data for 28 days.
• Rs. 349 (old price Rs. 299): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 1.5GB of daily data for 28 days.
• Rs. 409 (old price Rs. 359): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 2.5GB of daily data for 28 days.
• Rs. 449 (old price Rs. 399): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 3GB of daily data for 28 days.

For the 2-month plans:

• Rs. 579 (old price Rs. 479): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 1.5GB of daily data for 56 days.
• Rs. 649 (old price Rs. 549): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 2GB of daily data for 56 days.

For the 3-month plans:

• Rs. 509 (old price Rs. 455): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 6GB of data for 84 days.
• Rs. 859 (old price Rs. 719): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 1.5GB of daily data for 84 days.
• Rs. 979 (old price Rs. 839): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 2GB of daily data for 84 days.

For annual plans:

• Rs. 1,999 (old price Rs. 1,799): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 24GB of data for 365 days.
• Rs. 3,599 (old price Rs. 2,999): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 2GB of daily data for 365 days.

New Add-On Tariffs

• Rs. 22 (old price Rs. 19): 1GB of data for 1 day.
• Rs. 33 (old price Rs. 29): 2GB of data for 1 day.
• Rs. 77 (old price Rs. 65): 4GB of data valid till the base plan’s validity.

New Postpaid Tariffs

The revised postpaid plans are as follows:

• Rs. 449 (old price Rs. 399): 1 Connection, 40GB data with rollover, Unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day.
• Rs. 549 (old price Rs. 499): 1 Connection, 75GB data with rollover, Unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day, Disney+ Hotstar (12 months) and Amazon Prime (6 months).
• Rs. 699 (old price Rs. 599): 2 Connections, 105GB data with rollover, Unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day, Disney+ Hotstar (12 months) and Amazon Prime (6 months).
• Rs. 1,199 (old price Rs. 999): 4 Connections, 190GB data with rollover, Unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day, Disney+ Hotstar (12 months) and Amazon Prime (6 months).

Also Read | Keep Spam At Bay: Here’s How To Activate DND On Airtel

Conclusion

The price hikes come right after the spectrum auction where Airtel bought 97MHz of spectrum for Rs. 6,857 crore, primarily for 5G services. With both Airtel and Jio increasing their prices, it is likely that Vodafone Idea will also raise their tariffs soon. Customers will now have to pay more for the same services they were enjoying earlier.