Today in Parliament, I raised concerns affecting India’s prepaid recharge customers, who account for nearly 90% of the country’s 125 crore mobile users.
(1)
If a recharge expires, stopping outgoing calls may be understandable. But why are incoming calls stopped as well? Once validity ends, people cannot be reached, and even essential messages like bank OTPs may not come through. In emergencies or urgent situations, this can leave a person completely cut off.
My demands: First is that incoming calls and SMS should continue for at least one year after the last recharge so essential communication does not stop. Second, a mobile number should not be deactivated for at least three years after the last recharge. Third, telecom operators should introduce a low cost “incoming only” plan for users who simply need their number to remain active for essential calls, OTPs and government services.
(2)
I also raised the issue of 28 day recharge “monthly” plans. If something is called monthly, it should follow the calendar month of 30–31 days. Because of the 28 day cycle, consumers effectively end up paying for 13 recharges in a year. (28 days × 13 recharges = 364 days)
Telecom Operators should sync up their Recharge Plans with the true calendar months, and not 28 day plans.
A mobile phone today is not a luxury. It is a lifeline.
Prepaid recharge customers deserve fairness and transparency. Not clever fine print.