TelecomTalk

Vodafone Idea Data Vouchers with Handset Insurance

Tanay Singh Thakur — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 01:36:22 +0000

Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL), the third-largest telecom operator in India, has multiple data vouchers which come with handset insurance for the users. The handset insurance will protect the users in case of any damages to the device. The insurance value is of up to Rs 25,000. There are two vouchers right now which offer this insurance to the consumers. Note that the telco has partnered with another company to offer this insurance. This insurance company is none other than the Aditya Birla Group (ABG) owned Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co Limited (ABHICL). The data vouchers here that offer handset insurance to the consumers cost Rs 251, and Rs 201. Let’s take a look at the price and benefits here.

Vodafone Idea Rs 251 and Rs 201 Data Vochers

Vodafone Idea Rs 201 data voucher comes with 10GB of data and 30 days of validity. Note that this is not service validity, just standalone validity for the data offered with the voucher. With the plan, users get up to Rs 25,000 worth of coverage for their phones from ABHICL. Users need to register with ABHICL within 48 hours once the SMS is received from the insurance partner to get the real time insured value of the handset.

Then there’s the Rs 251 data voucher which comes with 10GB of data and this voucher comes with 30 days of validity too. The insurance value is again up to Rs 25,000 for the handset with the plan. The difference between the Rs 201 and the Rs 251 data voucher is that the insurance offered is for a different length of time. With the Rs 251 plan, the insurance coverage is for a longer time, and it costs Rs 21 per month while with the Rs 201 data voucher this is shorter, and costs Rs 34 per month.

BSNL Asked to Reduce Hiring of ITS Officers

Tanuja K — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:23:18 +0000

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a state-run telecom operator, has been asked reduce the hiring of the ITS officers. ITS here stands for Indian Telecommucation Services. BSNL has been hiring ITS officers for a long time and now, the PM Modi led government has asked BSNL to reduce reliance on ITS officers. Ultimately, the government wants the state-run telco to develop talent internally, and then eventually stop hiring ITS officers altogether. A succession plan for this needs to be developed by BSNL.

The government wants that the internal employees of BSNL should take up higher management positions in the company to learn and gain experience of higher positions. BSNL has also been told by the government that it has to conduct promotions at every level every calendar year in a time bound manner. This will motivate the employees to stay on with the company reducing the churn rate and also encourage them to work harder.

The reforms are coming into place because of the letters and requests from various employee bodies to the government. The government has reviewed the requests and then asked the state-run telco to make these changes as soon as possible.

C-DOT, Jumps Automation Partner to Develop Gamified Cybersecurity Awareness Platform

Kripa B — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:58:25 +0000

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jumps Automation LLP under its C-DOT Collaborative Research Programme (CCRP) to develop an innovative gamification platform aimed at enhancing cybersecurity awareness among individuals and enterprises, according to a Ministry of Communications statement dated April 20, 2026. The agreement was formalised at a ceremony attended by C-DOT Chief Executive Officer Rajkumar Upadhyay, along with Rohan Chandak, Head of Technology of Jumps Automation, members of the board, and senior officials from C-DOT.

Focus on Interactive Cybersecurity Training

“The key objective of the significant tie-up is to strengthen cybersecurity awareness, to enhance cybersecurity preparedness, to transform conventional training into an engaging, interactive, and effective learning experience. The platform will feature a gaming arena, leaderboards, learning management system, discussion forums, and realistic simulation-based scenarios covering phishing, social engineering, malware response, and crisis management under time constraints. Through this platform organisations can improve cyber security resilience,” the official release said.

AI-Powered Analytics and Adaptive Learning

The platform will integrate a reward and performance tracking system alongside an AI-driven behavioural analytics engine. This system will continuously assess user performance, dynamically adjust the complexity of challenges, and ensure content remains aligned with evolving cyber threats. The solution will combine Jumps Automation’s expertise in artificial intelligence and automation with C-DOT’s indigenous telecom and security technologies.

The project will follow a structured development and testing cycle, with end-to-end validation conducted at C-DOT’s facilities in New Delhi. It is expected to be deployed as a commercial-grade Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, with provisions for future enterprise integrations.

Structured Development and SaaS Deployment

“This marks a significant step towards harnessing indigenous technology for societal impact and building a strong culture of cyber resilience in India,” the official release said, adding that the project will follow a structured development, testing, and acceptance process with end-to-end validation at C-DOT facilities in New Delhi. The platform is expected to be deployed as a commercial-grade SaaS solution with provisions for future enterprise integrations.

Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT, highlighted the strategic significance of this collaboration in advancing an engaging and impactful cybersecurity awareness platform, reiterating C-DOT’s steadfast commitment to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He stated that the platform is envisaged to enable users to effectively recognize and mitigate cyber threats, strengthen incident response capabilities, and adopt global best practices, thereby contributing to a strengthened culture of cybersecurity awareness and resilience in the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Rohan Chandak highlighted the transformative potential of the platform in making cybersecurity training interactive and impactful, with a focus on driving behavioural change and reducing human-related cyber risks.

OnePlus Nord CE 6 Series Launching in India on this Date

Tanay Singh Thakur — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:44:16 +0000

OnePlus India is soon going to launch the Nord CE 6 5G series in India. The series will launch in May 2026. The brand has confirmed the launch date and also that there will be two phones this time. In 2025, there was a single launch of Nord CE 5 only. There was no lite version in the series. This time however, the two devices in the series will be OnePlus Nord CE 6 5G and OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite 5G. Along with the launch date, the company has confirmed some details about the device. Let’s take a look.

OnePlus Nord CE 6 5G series is launching in India on May 7, 2026. The Nord CE 6 5G will come in different colours including – Fresh Blue, Lunar Pearl, and Pitch Black. The Nord CE 6 Lite 5G will come in two colours as well – Vivid Mint and Hyper Black. The Nord CE 6 will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 SoC and will feature a display with support for 144fps gaming and 3200Hz of touch-sampling rate.

The Nord CE 6 will also feature a 33,000mm square large vapour cooling chamber. Further, Nord CE 6 will feature an 8000mAh battery with support for 80W SUPERVOOC fast-charging with further support for 27.5W wired reverse charging. There will be a 6.78-inch panel on the device with support for 1.5K resolution and IP ratings of IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K.

OnePlus Nord CE 6 5G to be Powered by Snapdragon 7 Series Chip

Tanay Singh Thakur — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:07:42 +0000

OnePlus Nord CE 6 5G is soon going to launch soon in India. The expected launch timeline is May 2026. The company has already launched the Nord 6 5G in the country, and two more phones which are coming are Nord CE 6 5G and Nord CE 6 Lite 5G. The Nord CE 6 5G has now been spotted at the Geekbench platform. The initial test scores of the phone are out now, and this also reveals the chipset of the phone.

OnePlus Nord CE 6 5G is expected to come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 SoC. The single core score of the phone is 1101 and the multi-core score is 3117. The phone will be running Android 16 (OxygenOS 16) out of the box.

Many reports online suggest that the OnePlus Nord CE 6 5G will be the rebadged version of the OnePlus Turbo 6V which has launched already in China. The phone is expected to come with a 6.8-inch flat OLED display panel with support for 1.5K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. The phone is expected to pack a 9000mAh battery with support for 80W fast-charging. For camera, there’s a 32MP sensor at the front for selfies along with a 50MP primary camera and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Price Drops in India

Tanay Singh Thakur — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:23:34 +0000

Samsung India has reduced the price of the recently launched Galaxy S26 5G series in the country. There are three phones in this series – Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is the top of the line phone from the series and it has also received a price cut. This looks like because the customers didn’t really appreciate the price it was launched at. The Galaxy S26 series was launched in India in February 2026. This makes it less than two months, and the device has already received a price cut. What’s more is that the company is increasing price of its phones in the A series, and thus, this price cut is even more contrasting in nature. Let’s take a look at the updated prices.

Samsung Galaxy S26 5G Series Price in India

Samsung Galaxy S26 5G series has received a price update in India, and here it goes:

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G:

12GB + 256GB = Rs 1,39,999 (old price) – Rs 1,30,999 (new price)
12GB + 512GB = Rs 1,59,999 (old price) – Rs 1,50,999 (new price)
16GB + 1TB = Rs 1,89,999 (old price) – Rs 1,80,999 (new price)

Samsung Galaxy S26+ 5G:

12GB + 256GB = Rs 1,19,999 (old price) – Rs 1,00,999 (new price)
12GB + 512GB = Rs 1,39,999 (old price) – Rs 1,20,999 (new price)

Samsung Galaxy S26 5G:

12GB + 256GB = Rs 87,999 (old price) – Rs 79,999 (new price)
12GB + 512GB = Rs 1,07,999 (old price) – Rs 99,999 (new price)

What’s more is that in certain variants, there’s even an instant bank discount of up to Rs 10,000 with select bank cards. This means that the price would go down even further. Samsung has likely done this to compete better in the Indian market, which is value driven in nature and more budget conscious than most of the international markets globally.

Airtel Select Prepaid Plans Now Come With Free Data Pack Coupon With OTT Benefit

Kripa B — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:15:29 +0000

Bharti Airtel offers data packs, and during the cricket season, Indian telcos generally add more value to data packs or launch new ones to provide additional entertainment benefits or data-related perks. Airtel already offers Cricket Packs, as do other telcos, at a price. However, it appears that Airtel has started offering a complimentary “Data Pack Coupon” to its prepaid users in select circles on select recharges. Check out the details below.

Also Read: Airtel 84-Day Prepaid Recharge Plans: Here’s What You Get in April 2026

Airtel Data Pack Coupon Eligible Prepaid plans

Airtel Rs 349 Plan

Airtel’s entry-level unlimited 5G plan, Rs 349, offers a complimentary Data Pack coupon worth Rs 100, which provides extra data along with a JioHotstar Mobile subscription.

Airtel Rs 979 Plan

Airtel’s Rs 979 plan with 84-day validity now comes bundled with a complimentary Data Pack Coupon worth Rs 195 with 30-day validity.

Airtel Rs 3599 Plan

As part of Rewards, Airtel offers a Data Pack Coupon worth Rs 195 with 30-day validity on its Rs 3599 prepaid plan.

What is a Data Pack Coupon?

Airtel is offering a free data pack coupon on select recharges mentioned above. The Data Pack Coupons bundled with recharge plans come in Rs 48, Rs 100 and Rs 195 variants. The Rs 48 Data Pack Coupon comes with 1GB of data and a JioHotstar Mobile subscription for 30 days. The Rs 100 Data Pack Coupon comes with 6GB of data and a JioHotstar Mobile subscription for 30 days. The Rs 195 Data Pack Coupon comes with 12GB of data and Airtel Xstream Play Premium for 30 days, along with a JioHotstar Mobile subscription for 90 days. Airtel users can claim the coupon on the Airtel Thanks app after recharging with the above-mentioned plans.

Standalone Airtel Data Packs

Airtel, as you may know, also offers data packs, including cricket data packs. Customers can choose a data pack of their choice and recharge to enjoy the benefits. Among these, Rs 48, Rs 100, Rs 195, and Rs 361 cricket data packs are also available. Although there is no official communication from Airtel, the telco has started offering JioHotstar Mobile subscription benefits on these packs.

Airtel Rs 48 Cricket Pack – New Launch

The Cricket Pack – JioHotstar, priced at Rs 48, offers customers 1GB of data, 1 Month of validity, and a JioHotstar Mobile subscription for 1 month. Data tariff post quota completion will be charged at 50p/MB.

Airtel Rs 100 Cricket Pack

The Cricket Pack – JioHotstar, priced at Rs 100, offers customers 6GB of data, 30 days of validity, and a 1-month JioHotstar Mobile subscription. Data tariff post quota completion will be charged at 50p/MB.

Airtel Rs 195 Cricket Pack

The Airtel Rs 195 Cricket Pack – JioHotstar offers customers 12GB of data with 30 days of validity. The pack also includes OTT benefits, including a JioHotstar Mobile subscription worth Rs 149 for 3 months and an Airtel Xstream Play Premium subscription for 30 days.

Airtel Rs 361 Cricket Pack – Added More Value

Airtel’s existing Rs 361 data pack has now been rebranded as the Cricket Pack – JioHotstar and comes bundled with 50GB of data, 30-day validity, and a JioHotstar Mobile subscription worth Rs 149 for 3 months.

OTT Bundling Benefits and How to Claim

Now, Airtel users recharging with the Rs 349, Rs 979, or Rs 3599 plans in select circles can avail of a complimentary Data Pack Coupon, which includes data and OTT benefits as per the eligible recharge. For users on other recharge packs, these packs can be purchased separately at the prices mentioned above.

In our experience, we received a complimentary Rs 48 cricket pack coupon, newly introduced for the cricket season, as a special offer with an existing bundled recharge. It included 1GB of data and a JioHotstar Mobile subscription for 30 days. You can check if you have received any data coupon in the Rewards and OTT section of the Airtel Thanks app.

The coupon comes with a validity period, which means that if you do not claim it within the specified time, it will expire and cannot be redeemed later. There are also other packs offered by Airtel that come with a JioHotstar Mobile subscription benefit as part of the regular OTT Rewards bundling. The plans and benefits may be dynamic in nature and may vary by user or circle. Kindly check the Airtel Thanks app for eligibility.

In the Tariff Hike 2026 Series:

84-Day Pack: Airtel Quietly Raises Price of Rs 859 Plan to Rs 899

IR Packs: Airtel Prepaid International Roaming Packs Get Costlier

Global Pack: Airtel Raises Prepaid Global Pack Price from Rs 4000 to Rs 4999

Reliance Jio Rs 500 Plan Bundles YouTube Premium and More

Tanay Singh Thakur — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 01:21:18 +0000

Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator, has a Rs 500 prepaid plan for the customers which comes with YouTube Premium. The Rs 500 plan is made for people who are looking for entertainment benefits with their prepaid plan. The plan also bundles 5G data for the consumers. There’s Google Gemini benefit worth Rs 35,100 bundled too. Jio offers this plan to everyone in the country. Let’s take a look at the benefits of this plan.

Reliance Jio Rs 500 YouTube Premium Plan

Reliance Jio comes with unlimited voice calling, 100 SMS/day, and 2GB of daily data. The plan comes with unlimited 5G data as well. There are no caps to using 5G data here. The service validity bundled with this plan is of 28 days.

The additional benefits of this plan include JioAICloud (50GB) storage, and Rs 35,100 worth Google Gemini subscription which bundles 5000GB of cloud storage, Nano Banana, and more. The OTT subscriptions will include access to YouTube Premium, Prime Video Mobile Edition, and JioHostar Mobile.

Then there is access to a lot more OTT platforms which includes SonyLIV, ZEE5, Lionsgate Play, Discovery+, SunNXT, Kanchha Lannka, Planet Marathi, Chaupal, FanCode, and Hoichoi via JioTV app.

Note that for the users to continue getting the Google Gemini AI Pro subscription access, they should keep recharging with the Rs 349 plan or more for a period of 18 months. Jio is the number one telecom player in the country with more than 500 million subscribers. The telco is also the largest FWA (Fixed-Wireless Access) service provider in the country. Jio’s Rs 500 plan is one of the select offerings in the industry which offers access to YouTube Premium in the industry. You can get this plan right now from the Jio app and the website.

Tariff Hike 2026: Airtel Quietly Raises Price of Rs 859 Plan to Rs 899

Kripa B — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:59:04 +0000

Airtel has quietly revised the pricing of its 84-day validity prepaid plan. The Rs 700–Rs 800 segment was previously catered to by two plans—Rs 799 and Rs 859—offering 1.5GB or 2GB of data per day, with 77 or 84 days of validity, respectively, depending on the circle or user. However, it now appears that Airtel has removed the Rs 799 plan and increased the price of its Rs 859 Truly Unlimited prepaid plan to Rs 899. Check out the plan benefits below.

Also Read: Airtel Prepaid Plans August 2025: Full List of Voice, Data, 5G and OTT Recharge Packs

Airtel Rs 899 Truly Unlimited Plan

Airtel’s Truly Unlimited Rs 899 prepaid plan offers unlimited voice calls (including local, STD, and roaming), 100 SMS per day, and 1.5GB of data per day, all with a validity of 84 days. After the daily data quota is exhausted, speeds are reduced to up to 64 Kbps.

As part of Airtel Rewards, users can enjoy Adobe Express Premium (12 months), Airtel Spam Alerts for incoming spam calls and SMS, and free Hellotunes (set any one tune every 30 days at no extra cost).

Previously, Airtel’s Rs 859 plan also included a RewardsMini subscription (earn cashback of Rs 80 per month at no cost), which now appears to be missing. Although there has been no official communication from Airtel, at the time of writing, these benefits are not reflected on Airtel’s digital platforms for the Rs 899 plan.

Also Read: Airtel 84-Day Prepaid Recharge Plans: Here’s What You Get in April 2026

Airtel 84-Day Validity Plans

If you want to explore Airtel’s 84-day validity plans, you can refer to the linked article above. With this revision, if an Airtel user intends to recharge with a daily data pack offering 84 days of validity, the entry-level plan is now priced at Rs 899 (1.5GB of data per day), followed by Rs 929 (1.5GB of data per day) with a validity of 90 days.

Airtel 84-Day Prepaid Recharge Plans: Here’s What You Get in April 2026

Kripa B — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:33:49 +0000

Indian telecom operator Bharti Airtel continues to offer a range of prepaid recharge plans with 84-day validity, catering to users seeking long-term value without frequent recharges. These plans bundle unlimited calling, data benefits, and access to digital services, making them a popular choice among prepaid subscribers across India. If you prefer these nearly three-month plans, check out the prepaid options offered by Airtel in April 2026.

Airtel Prepaid 84-Day Recharge Plans

1. Airtel Rs 469 Unlimited Plan

Plan Type: Voice-Only Plan
Core Benefits: Unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, along with 900 SMS
Validity: 84 days
Rewards: Adobe Express Premium (12 months, worth around Rs 4,000), Airtel Spam Alerts for incoming spam calls and SMS, and free Hellotunes (set one tune every 30 days at no cost)
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 5.58/day

2. Airtel Rs 548 Unlimited Plan

Plan Type: Voice-Centric Plan
Core Benefits: Unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, 900 SMS, and 7 GB of data. Post-quota data usage will be charged at 50p/MB.
Validity: 84 days
Rewards: Adobe Express Premium (12 months, worth around Rs 4,000), Airtel Spam Alerts, free Hellotunes (one every 30 days), and Airtel Xstream Play access to free content.
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 6.52/day

3. Airtel Rs 899 Unlimited Plan

Plan Type: Per-Day Data Plan
Core Benefits: Unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, 100 SMS per day, and 1.5 GB of data per day. After the daily quota, speed is reduced to up to 64 Kbps.
Validity: 84 days
Rewards: Adobe Express Premium (12 months), Airtel Spam Alerts, and free Hellotunes (one every 30 days)
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 10.70/day

4. Airtel Rs 929 Unlimited Plan

Plan Type: Per-Day Data Plan
Core Benefits: Unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, 100 SMS per day, and 1.5 GB of data per day. After the daily quota, speed is reduced to up to 16 Kbps.
Validity: 90 days
Rewards: Adobe Express Premium (12 months), Airtel Spam Alerts, free Hellotunes (set one tune every 30 days at no cost), and Airtel Xstream Play access to free content.
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 10.32/day

5. Airtel Rs 979 Unlimited Plan

Plan Type: Per-Day Data Plan with Unlimited 5G and Entertainment
Core Benefits: Unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, 100 SMS per day, and 2 GB of data per day. Post-quota speed is up to 64 Kbps.
Validity: 84 days
Rewards: Adobe Express Premium (12 months), Airtel Spam Alerts, free Hellotunes (set one tune every 30 days at no cost), unlimited 5G data (in 5G areas), Airtel Xstream Play Premium (84 days), and a 12 GB data coupon with additional OTT benefits (Airtel Xstream Play Premium for 30 days with JioHotstar Mobile Subscription for 90 days) via the Airtel Thanks app
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 11.65/day

6. Airtel Rs 1029 Unlimited Plan

Plan Type: Per-Day Data Plan with Unlimited 5G
Core Benefits: Unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, 100 SMS per day, and 2 GB of data per day. Post-quota speed is up to 64 Kbps.
Validity: 84 days
Rewards: Adobe Express Premium (12 months), Airtel Spam Alerts, free Hellotunes (set one tune every 30 days at no cost), unlimited 5G data, and JioHotstar Mobile subscription (3 months)
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 12.25/day

7. Airtel Rs 1099 Unlimited Plan

Plan Type: Fully Unlimited Plan (4G + 5G), Fully Unlimited Pack
Core Benefits: Unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, 100 SMS per day, and unlimited 4G + 5G data (commercial usage policy applicable)
Validity: 84 days
Rewards: Adobe Express Premium (12 months), Airtel Spam Alerts for incoming calls and SMS, free Hellotunes (set one tune every 30 days at no cost), unlimited 4G and 5G data without daily limits, and JioHotstar Mobile subscription (3 months)
Effective Per Day Pricing: 13.08/day

Note: According to Airtel, the Rs 1099 plan is available in select circles, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (East and West), Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, and Kolkata.

8. Airtel Rs 1199 Unlimited Plan

Plan Type: Per-Day Data Plan with Unlimited 5G
Core Benefits: Unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, 100 SMS per day, and 2.5 GB of data per day. Post-quota speed is up to 64 Kbps.
Validity: 84 days
Rewards: Adobe Express Premium (12 months), Airtel Spam Alerts, free Hellotunes (set one tune every 30 days at no cost), unlimited 5G data, Amazon Prime Lite (84 days), Airtel Xstream Play Premium (84 days), and Rs 195 worth data pack coupon with 12GB of data and Airtel Xstream Play Premium for 30 days with JioHotstar Mobile Subscription for 90 days.
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 14.27/day

9. Airtel Rs 1729 Unlimited Plan

Plan Type: Per-Day Data Plan with Unlimited 5G and OTT Benefits
Core Benefits: Unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, 100 SMS per day, and 2 GB of data per day. Post-quota speed is up to 64 Kbps.
Validity: 84 days
Rewards: Adobe Express Premium (12 months), Airtel Spam Alerts, free Hellotunes (set one tune every 30 days at no cost), unlimited 5G data, Netflix Basic (84 days), Airtel Xstream Play Premium (84 days), ZEE5 Premium (84 days), and JioHotstar Mobile (3 months)
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 20.58/day

10. Airtel Rs 1798 Unlimited Plan

Plan Type: Per-Day Data Plan with Unlimited 5G
Core Benefits: Unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, 100 SMS per day, and 3 GB of data per day. Post-quota speed is up to 64 Kbps.
Validity: 84 days
Rewards: Adobe Express Premium (12 months), Airtel Spam Alerts, free Hellotunes (set one tune every 30 days at no cost), unlimited 5G data – Unlimited 5G Data is over and above the plan limit and can be used in 5G Network areas only, and Netflix Basic (84 days)
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 21.40/day

Additional Benefits and Digital Access

Across these plans, Airtel bundles access to its digital ecosystem, including AI tools, Adobe services, and entertainment platforms. These add-ons enhance overall value, positioning the plans beyond basic telecom services.

Choosing the Right Plan

Consumers can evaluate their daily data usage and service preferences before selecting a plan. With varying data limits and pricing tiers, Airtel’s 84-day recharge options are designed to meet the needs of both moderate and heavy users.

As of this writing, Airtel offers nine plans with 84-day validity and one plan with 90-day validity across its telecom circles.

Also in Airtel 2026 Series

Airtel Fully Unlimited Recharge Packs Are Here: What You Get in April 2026

Airtel’s Rs 399 Plan Offers Unlimited Data: Here’s What You Get

Airtel Postpaid Plans Now Offer Unlimited 4G and 5G Data Across India: March 2026 Edition

Reliance Jio IPO Filing Could be Next Month

Tanay Singh Thakur — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 05:02:31 +0000

Reliance Jio could soon file for the Initial Public Offering (IPO). The timeline expected for the company to do so is May 2026. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries had said that they are looking to list Jio in the first half of 2026. Now Reliance Industries, the parent company of Jio Platforms is looking to submit the draft red herring prospectus by May 2026. This was earlier supposed to be done by the end of March 2026.

The proposed IPO will be an offer for sale. This basically means that existing investors will be looking for an exit from their current holdings. This will allow the telco to raise fresh capital and the existing investors would get a healthy return on their investment they made into the telco several years back.

Jio Platforms has a wide range of investors including Google, Meta (earlier Facebook), Vista Equity partners, and KKR. The company is lookin to sell only 2.5% stake of the telco to the public. This is because of the large valuation of the company, pegged at close to $180 billion USD. This means that the IPO could be sized $4 billion USD, the biggest India has ever seen in the history of IPOs.

Jio Plaforms had earlier raised around USD $20 billion in 2020 by selling stakes in the company to global investors mentioned above. Now, in the AI era, the company is looking to unlock more value for the Reliance investors and existing Jio Platforms investors with the IPO move.

Jio currently has the largest wireless mobile subscriber base in India, along with the largest wireline subscriber base as well. With a tariff hike in the near future, the company is expected to grow its topline and bottomline revenues by a huge margin without incurring relatively additonal expense.

Airtel Starts Warning Users During Calls for OTP Fraud

Tarun P K — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:37:12 +0000

Bharti Airtel has introduced a new feature that warns users during live calls if a bank OTP is detected, marking a notable step in how telecom networks are beginning to approach digital fraud. The feature displays an on-screen alert asking users to pause and think before proceeding, especially in situations where sensitive information like one-time passwords could be shared.

At a time when financial scams are increasingly being executed over voice calls, this move by Bharti Airtel focuses on addressing the problem at the exact moment it occurs. Unlike traditional spam detection systems that alert users before or after a suspicious interaction, this feature intervenes during the call itself.

How the Feature Works

The newly introduced system is designed to detect scenarios where a bank OTP is involved while a user is on a call. When such a situation is identified, Airtel triggers a real-time alert on the screen. The alert essentially acts as a reminder, prompting users to reconsider sharing any sensitive information.

This approach shifts the focus from passive alerts to active intervention. Instead of relying solely on users to identify suspicious behavior, the network itself plays a role in nudging the user at a critical moment.

Importantly, the feature does not block calls or take control away from the user. It simply adds a layer of awareness, allowing users to make more informed decisions while they are still engaged in the interaction.

The Real Impact on Users

Most digital fraud cases in India do not happen because users are unaware of scams. Instead, they occur because scammers create a sense of urgency during live conversations. Victims are often pressured into sharing OTPs or other confidential details within seconds.

Also Read: Bharti Airtel introduces AI alert to curb OTP-led banking fraud during calls

By introducing an alert during this exact moment, Airtel is attempting to break that chain of urgency even a small pause can be enough for users to rethink their actions and avoid making a costly mistake.

This is where the feature stands out it is not just about identifying fraudulent calls but about reducing the chances of user error during high-pressure situations.

A Growing Fraud Landscape

India has seen a steady rise in digital fraud incidents over the past few years, with voice-based scams playing a significant role. Fraudsters often impersonate bank officials, customer support executives, or even law enforcement authorities to gain trust and extract sensitive information.

In many cases, the scam is successful because the victim is caught off guard. The combination of urgency and perceived authority makes it difficult for users to think clearly in the moment.

Features like Airtel’s in-call alert are designed to counter exactly this pattern by introducing a moment of friction, the network can help reduce the success rate of such scams.

What Airtel Can Do Next

While the feature is a strong step forward, its effectiveness will depend on how widely it can be understood and adopted by users across different regions. One area where it can improve further is language accessibility.

India is a diverse market with users speaking multiple regional languages. Offering these alerts in regional languages alongside English could significantly increase their impact, especially among users who may not be fully comfortable with English.

Making the alert more inclusive would ensure that the message is clearly understood by a wider audience, further strengthening its role as a protective feature.

The Gap Between Airtel and Competitors

What also stands out is the broader industry context while telecom operators in India have largely focused on pricing, data benefits, and network expansion, fewer efforts have been visible in the area of real-time user protection.

Also Read: Airtel’s Anti-Fraud Solution Reduces Financial Losses for Customers by Nearly 69 Percent: Study

Airtel’s move signals a shift in priorities it highlights how networks can evolve beyond connectivity and start playing a more active role in safeguarding users.

At present, similar real-time in-call interventions are not widely seen across other operators like Reliance Jio, Vi, or BSNL. This puts Airtel in a relatively stronger position when it comes to building a narrative around user safety.

The Future of Network-Level Protection

As digital fraud continues to evolve, the expectations from telecom networks are also likely to change. Users may begin to value safety features alongside traditional metrics like speed and coverage. In that context, small features like in-call OTP alerts could end up playing a much larger role in shaping user perception and trust.

Airtel’s latest move may appear incremental at first, but it reflects a broader shift in how telecom networks can contribute to digital safety. If executed well and expanded further, such features could become a standard part of the mobile experience in the coming years.

Starlink India Launch Could be Delayed Yet Again Due to Security Concerns

Tanuja K — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 04:54:12 +0000

Starlink India has hit yet another snag aroud its launch. The company which operates in more than 100 countries for globally, is finding it difficult to get clearance from the government to start services in India. Starlink’s parent company SpaceX is at the center of the conversation right now. The cross-holding in the company is what is being looked at by the Indian government right now. Given the geopolitical tensions right now, the government wants to ensure that in situations like these, Starlink doesn’t become a national security threat for India.

The foreign direct investment (FDI) proposal submitted by Starlink could be put on hold by the government or even rejected, said an ET report. A source told the publication, “There are questions around cross holding in parent SpaceX and some other technical parameters.” Another person aware of the developments said, “There is an alarm in the government about the threat that Starlink can pose in national security situations, like war or other critical development. They want to be sure to tackle any situation and want to test the network thoroughly to mitigate any potential threats.”

Read More – Tejas Networks Did Not Have a Great 2026

The reason why Starlink has not been able to secure a license in India yet is due to national security concerns. While things looked speeding up recently for the company in terms of regulatory permissions, they may slow down yet again. Starlink has been trying to get a clearance for more half a decade to operate in India, and now, we are not sure when it will actually come.

Vodafone Idea is Offering Norton Mobile Security with Data for 1 Year

Tanay Singh Thakur — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 02:27:51 +0000

Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL), the third-largest telecom operator in India, is offering Norton Mobile Security to the users with one of its prepaid plans. The prepaid plan we are talking about here comes with access to Norton Security for mobiles, but also bundles some FUP (fair usage policy) data for the consumers. The security is offered for a complete year, meanwhile the data will work as long as you have a base active prepaid plan. Vodafone Idea is the only telecom operator to offer mobile security coverage to consumers in the industry right now. Let’s take a look at the benefits of this prepaid plan.

Vodafone Idea Rs 499 Prepaid Plan with Norton Mobile Security

Vodafone Idea Rs 499 prepaid plan comes with 20GB of data and one year validity. The users are offered Norton Mobile Security coverage for a year as well.

Purchasing the plan via Vodafone Idea will result in a discount for the users. Norton’s official website is selling the same security plan for Rs 699 for one year. There’s also a two year package of Rs 1,399. Note that the same price applies for both Android and iOS customers.

So purchasing this yearly plan from Vodafone Idea’s website or mobile app will give you a discount of Rs 200 along with 20GB of 4G data for usage across the year. With the Norton Mobile Security, your device will be safe against viruses and malwares. It will also detect spam and protect your device against it.

After purchasing the plan, you will have to download the Norton Mobile Security app from the Play Store or the App Store to claim your subscription. This plan is available for users across the telecom circles.

Tariff Hike 2026: Vodafone Idea Cuts Benefits and Raises Prices on Select Plans; New Plans Rolled Out

Kripa B — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:48:49 +0000

Vodafone Idea (Vi), the Indian telecom operator that has achieved around 98 percent 4G population coverage with new broadband sites, has revamped some of its prepaid offerings across circles. The telco, which is moving in a positive direction according to the CEO’s statement, has downgraded plan benefits, launched new plans, hiked tariffs, and introduced a cheaper alternative for users. Some of these revisions are circle-specific and are open market offerings, so kindly check the benefits and plan availability on your number via the Vi App.

Also Read: Vodafone Idea Achieves 98 Percent 4G Population Coverage With 1,17,000 New Broadband Sites

1. Vi Increases Pricing of Prepaid Packs

a. Vodafone Idea Rs 649 Pack Revised to Rs 670

As of this writing, Vodafone Idea has hiked the price of its Rs 649 plan to Rs 670 in specific circles, as mentioned below. The Vi NonStop Hero Rs 670 plan offers unlimited data (5G and 4G), unlimited calls, and 100 SMS/day, valid for 56 days. Subscribers using a 5G handset will be able to use unlimited 5G data only in 5G network coverage areas.

Vi Rs 670 Pack NonStop Hero: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan.

Vi Rs 649 Pack NonStop Hero: Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, North East, Odisha.

In other circles, the Vi Rs 649 plan continues to offer the existing Super Hero benefits, i.e., 2GB/day with 56 days validity.

b. Vi Rs 1020 Pack Revised to Rs 1050

A plan previously available for Chennai users at Rs 1020 has now been revised to Rs 1050. The revised Vi NonStop Hero Rs 1050 plan offers unlimited data (5G and 4G), unlimited calls, and 100 SMS/day, valid for 84 days. Subscribers using a 5G handset will be able to use unlimited 5G data only in 5G network coverage areas.

2. NonStop Hero Plans Shift to Hero Benefits

Vodafone Idea has downgraded some NonStop Hero plans to Hero Unlimited plans, thereby reducing the benefits offered without changing the pricing.

Vi Rs 696, Rs 795, Rs 979, Rs 994, Rs 996, Rs 998, and Rs 1198 are some plans that have been downgraded from NonStop Hero with unlimited data to Hero Unlimited with limited data in select circles.

Vi Hero Rs 696 Plan: Unlimited calls, 2GB/day, 100 SMS/day with a validity of 56 days, along with an Amazon Prime Lite subscription for 56 days. Post daily quota, data speed will be up to 64 Kbps. Subscribers using a 5G handset will be able to use unlimited 5G data only in 5G network coverage areas.

Vi Hero Rs 795 Plan: Unlimited calls, 3GB/day, 100 SMS/day with a validity of 56 days, along with a Vi Movies and TV Super subscription for 60 days. Includes access to SonyLIV, ZEE5, FanCode, and 16 more OTTs on TV and mobile. Post daily quota, data speed will be up to 64 Kbps. Subscribers using a 5G handset will be able to use unlimited 5G data only in 5G network coverage areas.

Vi Hero Rs 979 Plan: Unlimited calls, 2GB/day, 100 SMS/day with a validity of 84 days, along with a Vi Movies and TV Super subscription for 84 days. Includes access to SonyLIV, ZEE5, FanCode, and 16 more OTTs on TV and mobile. Post daily quota, data speed will be up to 64 Kbps. Subscribers using a 5G handset will be able to use unlimited 5G data only in 5G network coverage areas.

Vi Hero Rs 994 Plan: Unlimited calls, 2GB/day, 100 SMS/day with a validity of 84 days, along with a JioHotstar Mobile subscription for 84 days. Post daily quota, data speed will be up to 64 Kbps. Subscribers using a 5G handset will be able to use unlimited 5G data only in 5G network coverage areas.

Vi Hero Rs 996 Plan: Unlimited calls, 2GB/day, 100 SMS/day with a validity of 84 days, along with an Amazon Prime Lite subscription for 84 days. Post daily quota, data speed will be up to 64 Kbps. Subscribers using a 5G handset will be able to use unlimited 5G data only in 5G network coverage areas.

Vi Hero Rs 998 Plan: Unlimited calls, 2GB/day, 100 SMS/day with a validity of 84 days, along with a SonyLIV subscription for 84 days. Post daily quota, data speed will be up to 64 Kbps. Subscribers using a 5G handset will be able to use unlimited 5G data only in 5G network coverage areas.

Vi Hero Rs 1198 Plan: Unlimited calls, 2GB/day, 100 SMS/day with a validity of 70 days, along with a Netflix Basic subscription (TV + Mobile) for 70 days. Post daily quota, data speed will be up to 64 Kbps. Subscribers using a 5G handset will be able to use unlimited 5G data only in 5G network coverage areas.

Downgraded Vi Hero circles: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. In other circles, as mentioned above, Vi continues to offer the NonStop Hero benefits on those plans.

Vi Hero vs NonStop Hero

Vi NonStop Hero Benefit: Full-day unlimited (4G and 5G) data benefit, every day. Unlimited data is only meant for personal and non-commercial use.

Vi Hero Benefits: Plan bundled data plus Binge All Night—enjoy night data without limits from 12 AM to 6 AM at no extra cost. Weekend Data Rollover—carry Mon–Fri unused data into Sat–Sun. Data Delight—up to 2GB of backup data every month at no extra cost.

Also Read: Tariff Hike 2026: Vodafone Idea Revises Entry-Level Unlimited 5G Pricing to Rs 349 in Multiple Circles

3. Cheaper Alternative Plan

Vodafone Idea Rs 1197 NonStop Hero Plan

Vi’s NonStop Hero Rs 1197 plan, which was previously available in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Chennai, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, Kolkata, Maharashtra and Goa, has now been removed.

Vi NonStop Hero Rs 1005 Plan

However, in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, a new cheaper alternative plan, Rs 1005, has been introduced.

The Vi NonStop Hero Rs 1005 plan offers unlimited calls, unlimited data (5G and 4G) every day, and 100 SMS/day, valid for 84 days. Subscribers using a 5G handset will be able to use unlimited 5G data only in 5G network coverage areas.

4. Vi New Prepaid Plans

a. Vi Rs 325 Plan

Vi has introduced a new plan, Rs 325, with unlimited calls, 10GB data, and 300 SMS, valid for 28 days. Data tariff post quota completion will be charged at 50p/MB. The plan is available across all circles.

b. Vi NonStop Hero Rs 2099 Plan

Vi has launched a new NonStop Hero Rs 2099 plan in select circles. The new plan offers full-day unlimited data (5G and 4G), unlimited calls, and 100 SMS/day, valid for 180 days. Subscribers using a 5G handset will be able to use unlimited 5G data only in 5G network coverage areas.

Launched in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Other plans, Rs 1749 and Rs 2399, offering 180 days validity are also available for users to recharge as of this writing.

c. Vi NonStop Hero Rs 2180

Vi has launched a new plan with a 180-day validity for Tamil Nadu and Chennai users. Vi’s NonStop Hero Rs 2180 plan offers full-day unlimited data (5G and 4G), unlimited calls, and 100 SMS/day. Subscribers using a 5G handset will be able to use unlimited 5G data only in 5G network coverage areas.

d. Vi Rs 44 Cricket Data Pack

For cricket lovers, Vi has also launched a new cricket data add-on pack with one-day validity. The pack offers no service validity; however, it comes bundled with 1GB data with one-day validity and a JioHotstar Mobile subscription for 28 days.

Realme Buds T500 Pro Launched in India: Price and Specifications

Tanay Singh Thakur — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:56:13 +0000

Realme has launched a new TWS (truly wireless stereo) earphone in India called the Buds T500 Pro. These boast a great battery life and offer high decibels of ANC (active noise cancellation). There are many additional features as well for a very affordable price. These features include things such as multi-device connectivity and low-latency gaming performance. Take a look at the price and specifications of the Realme Buds T500 Pro in India below.

Realme Buds T500 Pro Price in India

Realme Buds T500 Pro are priced at Rs 2,799. These TWS earphones are available in the following colour options: Orange Mint, Lemon Cola, and Chocolate. You will be able to purchase these earphones from platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and the Realme India website. You will be able to get them starting April 23, 2026. For the initial period, you will be able to buy these earbuds for a discount of Rs 200 (between April 23 to April 26).

Realme Buds T500 Pro Specifications in India

Realme Buds T500 Pro come with 12.4mm drivers and support Hi-Res Audio Wireless along with support for LHDC 5.0 codec. This enables high-quality audio transmission of up to 24-bit and 96 kHz.

The earphones use a titanium-plated diaphragm for delivering a deeper bass and a more expansive soundstage. The earphones have support for ANC up to 50dB with a wide 5000Hz range using a real-time AI system that adapts based on your ear fit and surroundings. There’s a six-microphone setup for clearer calls and they also support live translation including both two-way and face-to-face modes.

Tejas Networks Did Not Have a Great 2026

Tanay Singh Thakur — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:30:34 +0000

Tejas Networks reported a net loss of Rs 909 crore in FY26. The company said that this was due to the completion of a 4G project from BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) and there were also large order delays. This led to a sharp revenue shortfalln and pushed the company towards a loss. Compared to the net loss reported in FY26, Tejas actually reported a profit of Rs 443 crore in the previous financial year. The revenue from operations actually fell by around eight times to Rs 1,103 crore during the financial year.

Tejas Network shares have fallen by 28.11% over the last six months. This is largely due to falling investor confidence in the business of the telco. Arnob Roy, executive director and chief operating officer of Tejas Networks, said, “Yes the results have been quite disappointing but at the same time we are positive about our future based on which we have made substantial investments during the year.”

“This has been a year of transition for us after the execution of the massive BSNL project in FY25 which gave us a significant amount of revenues and we needed a runway in FY26 to consolidate and transition our business beyond BSNL. Several large customer projects that we were actually planning for both for wireline and wireless products got delayed,” Roy added.

Tejas was a key player in the deployment of BSNL 4G. The company helped deploy over 1 lakh sites across India for BSNL with the original order valued at Rs 7,492 crore.

Nothing is India’s Fastest Growing Smartphone Brand, and I am Not Surprised

Tanay Singh Thakur — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:45:01 +0000

London based Nothing, a tech brand, is the fastest growing smartphone company in India in Q1 2026. This data was shared by Counterpoint, a credible insights company tracking shipments and market share performance for smartphones and other products. In Q1 2026, Nothing registered a 47% year-on-year growth. What’s interesting here is that out of the nine previous quarters, Nothing has been the fastest growing brand in the market for eight of them. The brand has expanded its offerings the premium, semi-premium, and affordable segment over this time.

The lastest launch from Nothing was the Nothing Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro. What’s always great about Nothing products is that they are a breath of fresh air when it comes to design and hardware. The company has also been able to build itself a vey distinguishable operating system (OS) as well.

The recent announcement from the company about Nothing Warp is also a great move as it looks to build upon customer loyalty and convenience. People won’t need to rely on Google’s Nearby Share for sharing files anymore. With Nothing Warp, they can instead share the files across different operating systems from Windows and macOS with a simple browser extension.

Flipkart also recently confirmed that the Phone (4a) series became the best-selling phone series on Day 1 in the Rs 30,000+ segment on the platform.

OnePlus Nord 6 CE Lite Appears on Geekbench Revealing Chipset Details

Tanuja K — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 06:53:16 +0000

OnePlus Nord 6 Lite 5G is expected to launch soon in India. Some key specifications of the device have now been revealed after being spotted on Geekbench. The information shows that the phone will be running a MediaTek Dimensity chipset. The Nord CE 6 Lite is expected to launch in May 2026 alongside the Nord CE 6. OnePlus has already launched the Nord 6 in the country, and so these two will join the series as well.

OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite Specifications

The OnePlus Nord CE 6 Lite is expected to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 SoC, said a post from Abhishek Yadav, a tipster on X (formerly Twitter). The device could come with up to 12GB of RAM and run on Android 16 out of the box.

OnePlus didn’t launch a OnePlus Nord CE 5 Lite. There were only two phones – Nord CE 5, and Nord 5. Thus, this launch will be interesting. The last time a Nord CE Lite phone was launched, it was in 2024 and it was powered by the Snapdragon 695 SoC. OnePlus is shifting its strategy of sales from offline and online combined to online first now.

Bharti Airtel Advises Customers to Opt for this Instead of AirFiber

Tanay Singh Thakur — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:20:34 +0000

Bharti Airtel, the second-largest telecom operator in India, runs one of the largest AirFiber businesses in India. The company has millions of users on its portfolio using this service. Airtel offers AirFiber services in areas where fiber can’t be deployed right away. Of course, it is built on the 5G layer, and now the telecom operator is also upgrading it to 5G SA (standalone) powered AirFiber service. AirFiber is a marketed term, meanwhile the technical term of this service is called Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).

The telecom operator has advised customers against opting for the AirFiber service in a certain scenario. So what is this scenario? Let’s discuss it below.

Airtel Asks Customers Not to Pick AirFiber If They Have…

So Bharti Airtel, not once or twice, but several times has said that fiber is superior to AirFiber. So if you have fiber in your home or office area, you should pick that over AirFiber. What’s worth noting here is that AirFiber and fiber come at the same cost. The data bundled with the AirFiber is 1TB, but with fiber, that’s more than 3TB for the same price (for Airtel and Jio customers). At this point, only Jio and Airtel are offering AirFiber service to customers.

Vodafone Idea has showcased the technology several times at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) now, however, they haven’t really launched it yet.

AirFiber service quality depends a lot on network congestion and more factors, meanwhile there’s no such worries when we are using a fiber connection. The purpose of AirFiber is to fill connectivity gaps faster, but ultimately, if you have fiber in your area or get it in the future, then you should upgrade from the AirFiber to fiber as soon as possible for a better experience and more data as well.