For millions of Indians living in Gulf countries, the US, UK, or Canada, maintaining an active Indian mobile number is not just about making calls; it is a necessity for financial security. Your Indian mobile number is linked to your bank accounts, Aadhaar card, and property documents, serving as the primary way to receive One Time Passwords (OTPs). If this number gets deactivated due to non-usage, you could lose access to your savings and essential services. With recent tariff hikes and new regulations, here is a simple guide to the most affordable plans available in February 2025 to keep your SIM running.
Cheapest Recharge Plans to Keep SIM Active
Telecom operators have specific minimum recharge plans that are popular among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who only need incoming SMS facilities for OTPs. BSNL currently offers the most cost-effective solutions for long-term validity, while private players like Jio and Airtel focus on bundled services. Below is the list of the best plans to keep your number active without spending too much.
| Operator | Plan Price | Validity | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSNL | ₹107 | 84 Days | Cheapest mid-term option |
| BSNL | ₹197 | 180 Days | High validity, low cost |
| BSNL | ₹397 | 200 Days | Most popular for expats |
| Jio | ₹189 | 28 Days | Base plan with 2GB data |
| Jio | ₹1748 | 336 Days | Long term Value Pack |
| Airtel | ₹199 | 28 Days | Minimum for active service |
| Airtel | ₹1849 | 365 Days | Yearly Calling & SMS |
Important TRAI Rules Regarding Inactive Numbers
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has set strict guidelines to manage unused mobile numbers. If a prepaid mobile number does not have any activity—such as a call, SMS, data usage, or recharge—for 90 consecutive days, the operator has the right to deactivate it. However, if you have a main balance of more than ₹20, the operator may deduct ₹20 to extend the validity by 30 days. According to the National Numbering Plan recommendations released on February 6, 2025, numbers that remain inactive for 365 days must be deactivated to recycle resources. Therefore, expats must ensure they recharge at least once every few months.
How to Receive OTPs and Bank Alerts Abroad?
Many expats worry about high international roaming charges just to receive a bank OTP. The good news is that for most operators, receiving incoming SMS is free if you have an active base plan and International Roaming service activated on your SIM. You do not always need a heavy roaming pack. Additionally, Reliance Jio and Airtel now support Wi-Fi Calling in many countries. This means if your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network abroad, you can receive calls and SMS on your Indian number as if you were in India, without incurring extra roaming charges.
