TRAI’s New Rule Keeps Prepaid SIM Cards Active with Minimum Rs 20 Balance

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced a new rule that will help millions of mobile users by making it easier to keep their prepaid SIM cards active. Under this rule, as long as a SIM card has a minimum balance of Rs 20, it will not be deactivated, even if it’s not used for a long time.

Previously, users had to recharge with at least Rs 199 every month to keep their SIM cards active, but this new rule removes that requirement.

How it works:
If you don’t use your SIM card for 90 days (no calls, texts, data, or services), it will be deactivated. However, if you have more than Rs 20 in your account after 90 days, Rs 20 will be automatically deducted to keep your SIM card active for another 30 days. This will continue as long as your balance stays above Rs 20. If your balance drops below Rs 20, your SIM will be deactivated. You can reactivate it by recharging with Rs 20 within 15 days of deactivation.

This rule only applies to prepaid connections and is expected to help users who don’t use their phones regularly or only make occasional calls.