If you are someone who loves BSNL’s Indigenous 4G Technology network, quality services, and customer experience, and finds plans from private telecom operators expensive, these plans may be worth considering to stay connected and experience Digital India services.

This article documents the telco’s entry-level prepaid plans, their key benefits, validity periods, and effective per-day costs as of this writing.

BSNL Entry-Level Prepaid Recharge Plans

1. BSNL Rs 99 Prepaid Recharge Plan

Pack Type: Special Tariff Voucher (STV)
Core Benefits: Unlimited voice calls (Local/STD) in Home LSA and National roaming including Mumbai and Delhi and unlimited data (speed reduced to 40 kbps after 50MB total data)
Validity: 14 days
Effective Per-Day Pricing: Approx. Rs 7.07

2. BSNL Rs 107 Prepaid Recharge Plan

Pack Type: Plan Voucher (PV)
Core Benefits: Unlimited data with speed reduced to 40 Kbps after 3GB free data + 200 minutes of free voice calls (any net local/STD/roaming including MTNL network)
Validity: 20 days
Effective Per-Day Pricing: Approx. Rs 5.35

3. BSNL Rs 147 Prepaid Recharge Plan

Pack Type: Special Tariff Voucher (STV)
Core Benefits: Unlimited local/STD/Roaming voice calls and unlimited data (speed reduced to 40 kbps after 5GB total data)
Validity: 24 days
Effective Per-Day Pricing: Approx. Rs 6.13

4. BSNL Rs 153 Prepaid Recharge Plan

Pack Type: Plan Voucher (PV)
Core Benefits: Unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS/day, and unlimited data (1GB/day at high speed, after which the speed is restricted to 40 Kbps; total 24GB)
Validity: 24 days
Effective Per-Day Pricing: Approx. Rs 6.38

5. BSNL Rs 197 Prepaid Recharge Plan

Pack Type: Plan Voucher (PV)
Core Benefits: 300 minutes of voice calls, 100 SMS total, and unlimited data (speed restricted to 40 Kbps after 5GB total data)
Validity: 35 days
Effective Per-Day Pricing: Approx. Rs 5.63

6. BSNL Rs 219 Prepaid Recharge Plan

Pack Type: Plan Voucher (PV)
Core Benefits: Unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS/day, and unlimited data (2GB/day at high speed, after which the speed is restricted to 40 Kbps)
Validity: 28 days
Effective Per-Day Pricing: Approx. Rs 7.82
Note: Previously Rs 199, this plan offers Unlimited voice, 2GB high-speed data per day, and may be apt for those heavy data users who can’t afford 2GB plans from private operators.

BSNL Rs 199 Plan: BSNL Rs 199 Recharge vs Bill Plan: Which Plan Offers Better Value?

7. BSNL Rs 225 Prepaid Recharge Plan

Pack Type: Special Tariff Voucher (STV), BSNL Silver Jubliee Plan
Core Benefits: Unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS/day, and unlimited data (2.5GB/day at high speed, after which the speed is restricted to 40 Kbps)
Validity: 28 days
Effective Per-Day Pricing: Approx. Rs 8.04

8. BSNL Rs 228 Prepaid Recharge Plan

Pack Type: Special Tariff Voucher (STV)
Core Benefits: Unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS/day, and unlimited data (2GB/day at high speed, after which the speed is reduced to 40 Kbps)
Validity: 1 month (recharge on the same date every month)
Effective Per-Day Pricing: Varies by month length (Approx. Rs 7.35 to Rs 8.14)

9. BSNL Rs 319 Prepaid Recharge Plan

Pack Type: Special Tariff Voucher (STV)
Core Benefits: Unlimited voice calls, 300 SMS total, and unlimited data (speed reduced to 40 kbps after 10GB total data)
Validity: 60 days
Effective Per-Day Pricing: Approx. Rs 5.32

10. BSNL Rs 439 Prepaid Recharge Plan

Pack Type: Special Tariff Voucher (STV), Voice Pack,
Core Benefits: Unlimited voice calls (Local/STD) any-net in Home LSA and national roaming including MTNL network in Mumbai and Delhi and 300 SMS total (no data included)
Validity: 80 days
Effective Per-Day Pricing: Approx. Rs 5.49

11. BSNL Rs 897 Prepaid Recharge Plan

Pack Type: Plan Voucher (PV)
Core Benefits: Unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS/day, and unlimited data (speed reduced to 40 Kbps after 24GB total data)
Validity: 165 days
Effective Per-Day Pricing: Approx. Rs 5.44

12. BSNL Rs 1499 Prepaid Recharge Plan

Pack Type: Plan Voucher (PV)
Core Benefits: Unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS/day, and unlimited data with speed reduced to 40 kbps after 32GB total data
Validity: 300 days
Effective Per-Day Pricing: Approx. Rs 5.00

Note: According to BSNL, after the plan validity expires, incoming calls and SMS services will remain available for 7 days (Grace Period 1).

Conclusion

BSNL’s entry-level prepaid plans offer a wide range of options for users with different calling and data requirements. From the Rs 99 plan for short-term connectivity to the Rs 1,499 plan for long-term users, there are several choices across different validity periods and usage patterns.

For users who primarily need calling, plans such as the Rs 99 and Rs 439 options may be worth considering, while data-heavy users can look at plans offering daily high-speed data. Meanwhile, the longer-validity plans can be useful for those who want to avoid frequent recharges and keep their BSNL connection active for an extended period.

Overall, BSNL’s prepaid portfolio remains an option for users looking for affordable voice, SMS, and data benefits, particularly those who cannot afford the higher recharge costs of private telecom operators. However, plan benefits and availability can change, so users should verify the latest details on BSNL’s official channels before recharging.

Which of the above BSNL plans would you pick for your next recharge? Let us know by tagging @TelecomTalk on X.

If you are a customer of India’s leading telecom operators, Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel or Vodafone Idea (Vi), we have covered similar plans from these operators as well. Do check them out using the links below.

Also in the Affordable Plan 2026 Series:

Airtel Entry-Level Plans: Airtel Entry-Level Unlimited Plans for Prepaid Users in August 2026

Jio Value Plans: Reliance Jio Value Plans Offering Affordable Options for Prepaid Services in August 2026

Vi Combo Plans: Vodafone Idea Combo Validity Plans in August 2026: Full List and Benefits

If Apple does include a 2nm process chip on the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, it will be the first iPhone in the history to feature that. It is expected to bring performance and efficiency gains for the iPhone. The A20 Pro chip is expected to feature on the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra to being with. It will be interesting to see if Apple yet again launches a new iPhone Air model, and if it does, which chipset will be used on it.

How Powerful will the A20 Pro Chip Will be?

Apple’s A20 Pro chip, as per the leaks, is expected to be 18% more powerful than the predecessor, and be about 30% more efficient in power consumption. The iPhone 18 Pro is also expected to feature an OLED panel from LG and Samsung, which Apple has been rumoured to acquire at a lower cost.

iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to be the most expensive iPhones ever launched. This year, we also have to specify by saying that this is for non-foldable category. The iPhone Ultra, is expected to be first foldable in the coming months from Apple. It is expected to be even more expensive than the iPhone 18 Pro models. To stay updated with the upcoming launches in the tech world, keep reading TelecomTalk.

Google is also introducing new and enhanced learning tools across Gemini and Search. These features include a dedicated student hub, personalised study notebooks with diagnostic quizzes and tailored study plans, the ability to talk through Deep Research reports with Gemini Live, as well as new search features that help students create interactive visuals, take practice quizzes, learn step-by-step with Lens, and organise projects.

Google Gemini Notebook for Learning

With Gemini AI Plus, one of the things that users will get access to is the Notebook feature. With Notebook, users can upload all their study material and Gemini will help users in preparing for their respective exam. Gemini can also prepare tests and quizzes to help people learn and remember what they find difficult.

In the coming weeks, Google said that Gemini will also be able to deliver graphs and images for a better visual learning experience for the users. Google, in a recent blog said that Gemini will now also be able to create 3D simulations to help users understand a topic better. For example, users can ask Gemini to show how DNA works in 3D. Gemini will be able to generate a video for the same and show it to the users. Then there is Gemini Live, through which, users can learn in a conversational manner. The power of Deep Research is now being added to Gemini Live, Google said recently.

Samsung Galaxy S25 5G Price in India

Samsung Galaxy S25 5G is available in two varaints on Samsung India’s website – 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB for Rs 84,999 and Rs 1,04,999. This denotes a price increase of Rs 4,000 and Rs 12,000, for the two variants, respectively. The new price is effective from August 19, 2026. There is one more base variant, which has 12GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage for Rs 74,999.

Samsung has been increasing the price of many smartphones, not just the Galaxy S25 5G. The Samsung Galaxy S25 5G has a 6.2-inch display with support for 120Hz refresh rate. It packs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. There is a triple-camera setup at the rear headlined by a 50MP primary camera. For selfies, there is a 12MP sensor at the front. The ultra-wide angle sensor at the back is a 12MP camera, and there is a 10MP telephoto sensor as well.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 5G has a 4000mAh battery with support for 25W wired charging support. The device has IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. It is available in multiple colour options including Icyblue, Navy, Silver Shadow, Mint, Blueblack, Coralred, and Pinkgold. You can get the device from the official website of Samsung India.

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 5G Launch Date

Samsung has confirmed a new upcoming Galaxy S26 series device on August 27, 2026. There will be a virtual launch event which will be streamed live directly from Samsung’s official website. Note that this is not an India exclusive launch. But in India, the launch event will be livestreamed at 5:30 PM IST.

Samsung has not explicitly said that it will be the Galaxy S26 FE 5G, but it is most definitely expected that it will be this device only. Samsung will likely push the device with Android 17 based One UI 9. This new software has been revaled by Samsung on the newly launched foldables including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series and the Galaxy Z Flip 8.

According to reports surfacing online, Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 5G will come with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x screen with support for 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The display further supports a maximum brightness of 1900nits. Under the hood, the device could pack the Exynos 2500 SoC coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

The Galaxy S26 FE could feature a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP telephoto sensor, and an ultra-wide-angle sensor. On the front, there will be a 12MP sensor for selfies and video calling. The phone is expected to pack a 4900mAh battery with support for 45W wired charging. The Galaxy S26 FE 5G is expected to come in two colours – Gray and Mint.

AI Assistant Makes AI Easier for Seniors

Ask Proxy is designed for older adults, including those aged 65 and older, who want to use AI without learning complex prompting or switching applications. To get started, users save Proxy’s number and send a simple ‘Start’ message.

When setting up the system, users share details about their interests, preferences, and daily routines.

An optional calendar connection enables the assistant to provide more personalized reminders and suggestions.

Once set up, Proxy functions like a normal contact. Users can ask questions by text and get help with planning holidays, choosing gifts, finding recipes, and answering everyday questions.

Also Read: Vi Foundation and DIET Launch AI Centre for Education in Varanasi to Empower Educators

The service also accepts photos and voice messages, giving users more ways to interact with the assistant.

An unusual feature of Proxy is its ability to initiate conversations. Instead of requiring users to send a prompt, the assistant uses their information and calendar details to suggest actions or reminders.

For instance, Proxy reminds a person about an upcoming birthday, suggests getting ready for an event, or assists with organizing arrangements for a forthcoming appointment.

This is a proactive strategy that distinguishes it from conventional AI assistants such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, which typically require users to access the service and initiate an interaction.

Also Read: Reddit AI to Convert Posts into Podcasts, Video for Users: Report

Ask Proxy – Which Country Supports This Feature So Far?

The service was introduced in the United States and Canada on August 4, 2026, and offers 15 free messages before switching to a paid plan for $29 per month with unlimited text support.

Privacy is also a key element in the way the product is positioned. Ask Proxy states that it does not sell personal information, display advertisements, or use conversations to train public AI models. Yet users should still refrain from sharing highly sensitive information with any AI service.

Ask Proxy points to a broader trend in the AI assistant sector: focusing on making AI easier to use rather than just making AI models more powerful.

The service aims to overcome barriers that prevent people from experimenting with generative AI by integrating the assistant into a familiar messaging interface.

As AI adoption grows across age groups, products like Ask Proxy could help provide users who might otherwise find ordinary AI applications intimidating or complicated with AI assistance.

Reliance Jio Needs Tariff Hike for an ARPU Boost

Reliance Jio reported an average revenue per user (ARPU) of Rs 215.6 for Q1 FY27. This was a small up tick from Rs 214 in the previous quarter. Jio needs the tariff hike, clearly. Without a price hike, Jio will find it difficult to boost its ARPU just with higher data consumption. The telco would require a hike of about 15-20%, to make a difference on its ARPU.

Even with the Jio Prime membership, Jio will be able to boost its revenues in a single quarter. This will also lead to an uptick in ARPU. Since people will be paying Rs 300 extra during the quarter. Jio, may or may not hike the tariffs in this quarter. But it is definitely going to happen sometime in the near future.

The Prime Pass will allow users to keep recharging with the older tariffs until September 5, 2027. There is no saying whether users will be able to recharge with this pass again or not. Jio would want to boost its ARPU, not just for boosting reveues in the short-term, but also to ensure that it can go ahead with a successful IPO (Initial Public Offer).

Seven Key Areas Offer Scope for Greater Economic Complementarity

Goyal said India’s seven key areas of national transformation—manufacturing, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, energy and defence, the green and blue economy, and civilisational soft power—offer significant scope for complementarities between the two economies.

Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s economic potential, he said the State’s large workforce, improving connectivity, industrial growth and skilled talent provide a strong platform for Japanese technology and expertise. The State is pursuing its ambition of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy.

Japan Targets 10 Trillion Yen Investment in India Over Next Decade

Referring to the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit held in New Delhi in July 2026, Goyal said Japan has set a target of investing 10 trillion yen in India over the next decade. He identified artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, batteries, energy and next-generation mobility as key areas for future cooperation.

The Minister said the partnership was already delivering major projects, including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, Japanese-assisted metro systems in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Chennai, and 11 Japanese industrial townships across eight States. More than 1,400 Japanese companies currently operate in India, including Suzuki, Toyota, Honda in mobility, Sony in electronics, Hitachi and Mitsubishi in engineering.

India-Japan Trade Reaches USD 27.5 Billion

Bilateral trade reached around USD 27.5 billion in FY 2025-26, while Japan has emerged as India’s fifth-largest source of foreign direct investment, Goyal said, describing the figures as evidence of a strong foundation for expanding economic ties.

Drawing on the Japanese philosophy of ‘Kaizen’, Goyal said India’s reform journey similarly reflected a commitment to continuous improvement. He cited improvements in ease of doing business, infrastructure, digital public infrastructure, multimodal logistics and Japanese-language capabilities as measures aimed at creating a more investment-friendly environment.

Uttar Pradesh Showcases Infrastructure and Industrial Advantages

Goyal said Uttar Pradesh, India’s third-largest State economy, has more than nine million MSMEs and ranks fifth among States in exports. He pointed to companies such as Escorts Kubota and Seiko Advance as examples of Japanese-linked manufacturing activity in the State.

He also highlighted Jewar International Airport, the Yamuna Expressway, the JICA-supported Western Dedicated Freight Corridor and 27 industrial clusters covering sectors such as defence, semiconductors and electronics as major advantages for attracting further Japanese investment.

India Invites Japanese Firms to Build for the Indo-Pacific and Global Markets

Goyal said he would visit Japan from August 24 to 27, 2026, to advance discussions with government and industry leaders and further strengthen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan.

Emphasising the civilisational ties between the two countries, Goyal recalled the historical connection between India and Japan through the teachings of Buddha. He invited Japanese businesses to make India, and Uttar Pradesh in particular, a centre of their growth and a hub for Japanese innovation serving the Indo-Pacific and the world.

What will Happen if You Get a 10th SIM Card in India Now?

If you end up getting the maximum limit of SIM cards, which is nine SIMs, the government will upload your face on its Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP). The telcos must use the data from DIP to ensure that no new SIM card is issued to the individual who already has the maximum SIM cards registered under his/her name.

Further, if the user has a 10th SIM, or more than 9 SIMs, then the government will start blocking every SIM that has been issued after the first nine SIM cards. The circular fromt the DoT said that from August 23, this data will be available for the telcos on the DIP. They will be able to use the data from the intelligence platform to ensure no one gets more SIM cards than the legal limit. For now, the telcos will not be able to catch the user getting the 10th SIM card right on the time of SIM issuance. They will have to play catch-up with the platform.

But by November 30, 2026, the telecom operators have been instructed to make this a real time thing. Fraudsters and scammers have been getting new SIM cards under the name of other individuals, and withdrawing money from their bank accounts and more. The government wants the SIM fraud to reduce fast and this move is to ensure that it does. Apart from this, the Indian government has also been taking other measures to protect the consumers from fraud and scams.

The Indian government enforced the telecom operators to implement the CNAP (calling name presentation) system which allows the user to see the name of the person calling them. The name displays even if the user has not saved the number of the caller. This is much like what Truecaller does. However, with Truecaller, the data is crowdsourced. Here, the telcos use the data from their KYC (Know Your Customer) records.

Vivo T5 Pro 5G New Hiked Price in India

Vivo T5 Pro 5G is avaialble in India in three memory variants – 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 256GB. These variants launched for Rs 29999, Rs 33999, and Rs 39999. However, after the latest price revision, the price has now reached Rs 41,999 for the 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The second one with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage for Rs 46,999. Lastly, there is the most expensive variant which comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage for Rs 69,999.

Vivo T5 Pro 5G has become super expensive in India after these price revisions. It looks like the better time to buy this phone was earlier when it had just launched. The Vivo T5 Pro 5G does not even pack a flagship chipset. At this price range, you will get so many other devices with more powerful chips and specifications.

Vivo T5 Pro 5G Specifications in India

Vivo T5 Pro 5G has a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED screen with up to 144Hz refresh rate and up to 5000nits of local peak brightness. The device’s display supports 2160Hz PWM dimming, and 449 ppi pixel density. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 SoC coupled with up to 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage.

It is headlined by a 50MP main shooter with a Sony IMX882 sensor coupled with a 2MP Bokeh camera. There is a 32MP sensor at the front for selfies and video calling. There is a 9020mAh battery packed on the device with support for 90W wired fast-charging.

Googlebook Launch Event Date

Googlebook will launch officially on September 15, 2026. This will be an in-person launch event by the company and will be held in New York city. We can expect the company to introduce the product in a keynote which will talk about the hardware, and the software. Googlebook is launching in a scenario where the memory costs are extremely high. The New York city event will likely also have the product present at the launch arena for the invited people to explore.

Google has not revealed much about the product. Initially we expect the company to bring the product for the United States (US) only. The Googlebook will be flagship laptops from Google. The naming scheme matches Chromebook. We are not sure if Google plans to launch these new laptops with its own chipset or if it will partner with the other tech companies like Intel or Qualcomm for the chips. On the Pixel devices, Google has moved to using its own designed chipset called the Tensor.

The Googlebook is less than a month from launch. We expect more details to surface about the premium laptop from Google as the launch nears. This seems like the year for new tech launches. While the prices are going high, we are noticing brands taking a leap and coming out with new tech products. Apple is also soon expected to launch a foldable phone in the market.

Realme P4s 5G India Launch Date and Confirmed Details

Realme P4s 5G is confirmed to launch in India on August 26, 12 PM IST. This means that we are just a few days away from the launch. The Realme P4s 5G is now confirmed to come in two colours – Green and Beige Brown. It will be available for purchase via the official website of Realme India and Flipkart.

The Realme P4s 5G will come with a Samsung M14 display panel and support 144Hz refresh rate along with support for 1272 x 2772 pixels. The device is claimed to support peak brightness of 6500nits along with HDR10+ and Netflix HDR certification. The phone is going to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra 5G SoC along with a dedicated HyperVision+ AI chip. The Realme P4s 5G will come with a 50MP dual-AI camera setup with OIS (optical image stabilisation). It will come with an IP66 + IP68 + Ip69 rating for dust and water resistance. Realme P4s 5G is confirmed to pack a 8000mAh battery with support for 80W fast-charging. It is said to launch in three variants – 6GB + 128GB, 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB. Keep reading TelecomTalk to stay updated with the upcoming tech developments.

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 5G Desgin Leaks

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 5G renders were leaked online by tipster Roland Quandt. These renders are not officially shared by Samsung, so the reality could be different that what you have seen above. The Galaxy S26 FE 5G will have three cameras as per the leaked renders. It will have super thin bezels for the display, with only the bottom bezel being slightly thicker.

From the leaked render, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE 5G definitely looks like a premium phone. It will be the successor to the Galaxy S25 FE 5G. The device is expected to launch in September 2026. Note that while the talks about Galaxy S26 FE 5G are going on online, Samsung has not officially teased the device.

Regardless, the rumours online are that the Galaxy S26 FE 5G will come with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x screen with support for 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1900nits of peak brightness support. The phone will be likely powered by Exynos 2500 SoC coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It would pack a 4900mAh battery with support for 45W wired charging. According to the leaks, the expected price of the Galaxy S26 FE 5G would be roughly Rs 80,000 – Rs 90,000. Keep reading TelecomTalk to stay updated with the tech developments.

Google Pixel 11 Upgrade Program

Google Pixel 11 Upgrade Program lets users buy a new Pixel 11 at no-cost EMI of up to 24 months. This means roughly just Rs 4,000 every month. After just 9 EMIs, users will get the option to get upgrade with to Pixel device, and will get an assured buyback value of up to 62.5%. So basically, you get the new Pixel device at a very low cost.

In fact, there is an annual upgrade option here, wherein the user can upgrade to a new generation Pixel device without selling their existing device. Google Pixel 11 buyers will also get free access to Google AI Pro subscription, Google Health Premium, and YouTube Premium. But this is not for lifetime. It is for just a few months.

Google Pixel 11 series features the latest Tensor G6 chipset, and the Titan M3 chipset for security. There are several new Pixel 11 series devices including the Google Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. All of these phones are now available in India for users to purchase. Very soon, we will come out with the full review and first impressions on the device. Keep reading TelecomTalk to stay updated with the tech developments in India and around the globe.

7 Free AI Apps Android Users Should Try

Nowadays, artificial intelligence is becoming more available on smartphones, since several apps featuring AI provide useful functions via free versions. Whether answering questions, conducting research, producing designs, or preparing for studies, Android users can use a variety of AI tools without a paid subscription.

The following are seven free AI apps worth trying in 2026.

1. Google Gemini – Best for Android Users

Google Gemini is one of the most integrated AI assistants on Android; it can brainstorm, answer questions, analyze information, and generate images. The company has added features such as Study Notebooks, which can produce personalized learning experiences based on a user’s objectives and the uploaded study material.

2. ChatGPT, Best All-Round AI Assistant

Through its free version, the ChatGPT Android app allows users to access AI conversations, web search, file and image analysis, image generation, and other features, with certain usage limits. It is therefore useful for a variety of everyday activities, such as writing, research, planning, and learning.

3. Perplexity — Most suitable for AI research

Perplexity functions more as an AI-driven search and research assistant, as it can answer questions by drawing on information from the web and includes sources with its responses. The fact that it is free means it is useful for people who want to research a topic without having to sift through multiple search results themselves.

4. Gemini Notebook – Best for Studying

Google has renamed NotebookLM to Gemini Notebook, keeping the same emphasis on research and learning. Users can use their own sources, ask questions about documents, and produce summaries and other study materials. The company has also recently added the ability to perform deeper analysis and data work.
Also Read: This AI App Can Record Meetings, Create Summaries and Track Action Items

5. Microsoft Copilot is the best choice for productivity.

Microsoft Copilot can help with writing, brainstorming, research, and various everyday productivity tasks; it is especially useful for people who regularly use Microsoft products due to its integration with the broader Microsoft ecosystem.

6. Canva – Best for AI Design

Canva has combined graphic design tools with AI-driven features, enabling people to create presentations, social media posts, images, and other visual content. While users can experiment with several AI-powered creative tools in the free version, certain advanced features require a paid plan.

7. Claude — Ideal for writing and analysis

Claude from Anthropic is also a very good choice for writing, summarising documents, brainstorming, and coding. Access to the Claude app is available through the free version, with usage limits. It may be especially useful for people who need assistance with long-form writing and detailed analysis.

Which of the Two Should Android Users Attempt?

No single AI application is the best choice for everyone; Gemini is appropriate for Android and Google services users; ChatGPT is a good all-round option; Perplexity is better for research; Gemini Notebook is for studying; Canva is for visual content; and Claude is for writing and analysis.
The main thing is that people don’t have to pay for multiple AI subscriptions; Android users can meet a wide range of their everyday AI needs by combining the free versions of several specialized applications.

Also Read: Airtel Daily Data Unlimited Plans Now Start at 2GB Per Day for Prepaid Users

This article documents the telco’s entry-level unlimited prepaid plans, their key benefits, validity, effective per-day cost, and OTT benefits, if any, as of this writing.

Airtel Entry-Level Unlimited Plans for Prepaid Users

1. Airtel Rs 199 Plan

Plan Type: Unlimited Plan, Truly Unlimited Plan
Core Benefits: Unlimited Local, STD and Roaming voice calls, 2GB High-Speed Data, along with 100 SMS Per Day (post-limit charges: Re 1 local / Rs 1.5 STD per SMS; data tariff post-quota completion charged at 50p/MB).
Validity: 28 Days
Subscriptions and Special Offer Benefits: Adobe Express Premium (12 Months free benefit worth around Rs 4,000), The Safe Network (fraud link blocking and real-time alerts on SPAM calls, SMS and suspicious bank OTPs), Free hellotunes for you (set any one tune every 30 days for free), and Airtel Xstream Play (Free content: movies, shows and LIVE TV channels including SonyLiv free version, Amazon MX player, Chana Jor, Runn TV).
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 7.11

2. Airtel Rs 219 Plan

Plan Type: Unlimited Plan, Truly Unlimited Plan
Core Benefits: Unlimited Local, STD and Roaming voice calls, 3GB High-Speed Data, along with 300 SMS total (100 per day limit; post-limit charges: Re 1 local / Rs 1.5 STD per SMS; data tariff post-quota completion charged at 50p/MB).
Validity: 28 Days
Subscriptions and Special Offer Benefits: Adobe Express Premium (12 Months free benefit worth around Rs 4,000), The Safe Network (fraud link blocking and real-time alerts on SPAM calls, SMS and suspicious bank OTPs), Free hellotunes for you (set any one tune every 30 days for free), and Airtel Xstream Play (Free content: movies, shows and LIVE TV channels including SonyLiv free version, Amazon MX player, Chana Jor, Runn TV).
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 7.82

3. Airtel Rs 469 Plan

Plan Type: Unlimited Plan, Truly Unlimited Plan, Voice and SMS Only Plan, Feature Phone Plan
Core Benefits: Unlimited Local, STD and Roaming voice calls, 900 SMS total (post-limit charges: Re 1 local / Rs 1.5 STD per SMS). Note: This plan does not bundle bulk/daily data.
Validity: 84 Days
Subscriptions and Special Offer Benefits: Adobe Express Premium (12 Months free benefit worth around Rs 4,000), The Safe Network (fraud link blocking and real-time alerts on SPAM calls, SMS and suspicious bank OTPs), and Free hellotunes for you (set any one tune every 30 days for free).
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 5.58

4. Airtel Rs 489 Plan

Plan Type: Unlimited Plan, Truly Unlimited Plan
Core Benefits: Unlimited Local, STD and Roaming voice calls, 6GB High-Speed Data, along with 600 SMS total (post-limit charges: Re 1 local / Rs 1.5 STD per SMS; data tariff post-quota completion charged at 50p/MB).
Validity: 77 Days
Subscriptions and Special Offer Benefits: Adobe Express Premium (12 Months free benefit worth around Rs 4,000), The Safe Network (fraud link blocking and real-time alerts on SPAM calls, SMS and suspicious bank OTPs), Free hellotunes for you (set any one tune every 30 days for free), and Airtel Xstream Play (Free content: movies, shows and LIVE TV channels including SonyLiv free version, Amazon MX player, Chana Jor, Runn TV).
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 6.35

5. Airtel Rs 548 Plan

Plan Type: Unlimited Plan, Truly Unlimited Plan
Core Benefits: Unlimited Local, STD and Roaming voice calls, 7GB High-Speed Data, along with 900 SMS total (post-limit charges: Re 1 local / Rs 1.5 STD per SMS; data tariff post-quota completion charged at 50p/MB).
Validity: 84 Days
Subscriptions and Special Offer Benefits: Adobe Express Premium (12 Months free benefit worth around Rs 4,000), The Safe Network (fraud link blocking and real-time alerts on SPAM calls, SMS and suspicious bank OTPs), Free hellotunes for you (set any one tune every 30 days for free), and Airtel Xstream Play (Free content: movies, shows and LIVE TV channels including SonyLiv free version, Amazon MX player, Chana Jor, Runn TV).
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 6.52

6. Airtel Rs 1849 Plan

Plan Type: Unlimited Plan, Truly Unlimited Plan, Voice and SMS Only Plan, Feature Phone Plan
Core Benefits: Unlimited Local, STD and Roaming voice calls, 3600 SMS total (post-limit charges: Re 1 local / Rs 1.5 STD per SMS). Note: This plan does not bundle data.
Validity: 365 Days
Subscriptions and Special Offer Benefits: Adobe Express Premium (12 Months free benefit worth around Rs 4,000), The Safe Network (fraud link blocking and real-time alerts on SPAM calls, SMS and suspicious bank OTPs), and Free hellotunes for you (set any one tune every 30 days for free).
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 5.07

7. Airtel Rs 2249 Plan

Plan Type: Unlimited Plan
Core Benefits: Unlimited Local, STD and Roaming voice calls, 30GB High-Speed Data, along with 3600 SMS total (post-limit charges: Re 1 local / Rs 1.5 STD per SMS; data tariff post-quota completion charged at 50p/MB).
Validity: 365 Days
Subscriptions and Special Offer Benefits: Adobe Express Premium (12 Months free benefit worth around Rs 4,000), The Safe Network (fraud link blocking and real-time alerts on SPAM calls, SMS and suspicious bank OTPs), Free hellotunes for you (set any one tune every 30 days for free), and Airtel Xstream Play (Free content: movies, shows and LIVE TV channels including SonyLiv free version, Amazon MX player, Chana Jor, Runn TV).
Effective Per Day Pricing: Rs 6.16

Conclusion

Overall, Bharti Airtel offers around seven prepaid plans, including voice- and SMS-only plans as well as voice, SMS, and fixed-data plans. The data, where bundled with the plans, can be used on any network, including 2G, 4G, or 5G. Based on the listed prices and validity, the Rs 1,849 plan has the lowest effective daily cost at about Rs 5.07, while the Rs 2,249 annual plan offers the broadest data allowance.

Which of the above Airtel plans would you pick for your next recharge? Let us know by tagging @TelecomTalk on X.

If you are a customer of India’s leading telecom operators, Reliance Jio or Vodafone Idea (Vi), we have covered similar plans from these operators as well. Do check them out using the links below.

Also in the Affordable Plan 2026 Series:

Jio Value Plans: Reliance Jio Value Plans Offering Affordable Options for Prepaid Services in August 2026

Vi Combo Plans: Vodafone Idea Combo Validity Plans in August 2026: Full List and Benefits

However, as a consumer, will you really end up saving money after paying Rs 300? Here’s how it would look like.

Reliance Jio Will Likely End Up Help You Saving Money with Jio Prime, Here’s How

One of the Jio plans which is heavily recharged by the consumers is the Rs 799 plan by the non-5G users, and the Rs 899 plan by the 5G users. Both these plans more or less give the same service validity of three months. Historically, every year since 2018, telcos have been raising the tariffs of the plans by more than 15% whenever they have done it. We expect a tariff hike of about 15-20% yet again, whenever the next hike comes.

So this would mean, with a 15% hike, that the Rs 799 plan would go up to Rs 940, and the Rs 899 plan would go up to Rs 1060. Now, this is the base figure that we are talking about. The hike could be of 20% as well. So you would end up paying Rs 140 more for the Rs 799 plan, and Rs 160 more for the Rs 899 plan. You will need to recharge at least 5 times on average with these plans to keep the SIM and benefits active in a one year period. So that would mean, you will pay Rs 140 x 5 = Rs 700 more the Rs 799 plan for a year after the tariff hike, and Rs 800 more for a year for the Rs 899 plan.

What you did not likely account for here are the data vouchers. An average consumer, keeps recharging with the data vouchers as and when necessary. With a higher cost, these data vouchers would also end up draining more money from the user. Also, Jio allows users to queue unlimited recharges on top of each other. This means, that even when the one year Prime membership would be ending, you can still do multiple recharges at the older price, giving you plenty of savings.

Then you also have to account for the other benefits. This means that users get Priority Customer Care support, and a lot more from Jio including Rs 300 cashback.

The government also stressed that the vast majority of merchant transactions on UPI will continue to remain free.

Amendment aimed at long-term sustainability

The government said the recent amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act (PSS Act) is an enabling provision intended to strengthen UPI’s long-term sustainability, technological capabilities and resilience against emerging risks, rather than a move to impose charges on ordinary users.

With UPI transaction volumes rising sharply, the government said continued investments are required in cybersecurity, fraud prevention, infrastructure and technological upgrades. “It is necessary to increase competition by encouraging more companies to expand their operations, which requires a self-sustaining revenue model,” it said.

The government maintained that dependence on subsidies alone would not be viable for the next phase of UPI’s growth and that a balanced framework is needed to keep the digital payments ecosystem robust, inclusive and future-ready.

Government rejects ‘external pressure’ narrative

Rejecting reports suggesting that external influences were driving the policy changes, the government termed such claims “unfounded, completely false and misleading”. It pointed out that UPI was launched in 2016 and that the government has kept it free for citizens and merchants since January 2020.

“Some of the media reports have suggested that external influences may be driving policy changes. This is unfounded, completely false and misleading. If external pressure had been a factor, the government would not have introduced UPI in 2016 or made it free of charge for both merchants as well as citizens since January 2020 and ensured that it became the world’s largest real time interoperable payment system,” the Ministry said.

The government said UPI has subsequently emerged as the world’s largest real-time interoperable payment system, underlining that the policy changes should be viewed in the broader context of maintaining a sustainable, competitive and innovative digital payments infrastructure.

“The amendment should therefore be viewed in the context of the Government’s broader objective of ensuring that India’s digital payment infrastructure remains sustainable, competitive, innovative and capable of serving the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

“The truth is simple: UPI is India’s own innovation, and the government remains committed to keeping it free for citizens while ensuring its sustainability for decades to come.

The Next Wave of Growth

India now stands at the cusp of the next wave of digital payments growth. To expand UPI further into rural and semi-urban areas and maintain competitiveness, the UPI ecosystem must be self- sustainable and affordable. The amendment to the PSS Act is a forward-looking step to ensure that UPI continues to thrive as a secure, affordable, inclusive, and globally recognized payment system,” the official release said.

UPI enters next phase of growth

Since its launch in 2016-17, UPI has transformed India’s digital payments landscape and become a key component of the country’s digital economy. In July 2026 alone, UPI processed 2,366 crore transactions worth Rs 29.9 lakh crore, according to the government.

UPI is also operational in 11 foreign countries, with several other nations expressing interest in adopting or integrating the system. The government described UPI as a national achievement built by Indians for Indians and said it would continue to support its expansion and development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Government of India reaffirms that UPI will remain free for citizens, with no charges on everyday transactions. Any future MDR will be nominal and apply only to a limited set of merchant transactions. UPI continues to be India’s flagship digital innovation, expanding globally.

“UPI is a national achievement built by Indians, for Indians. The Government has promoted, funded and grown it for a decade, and will continue to do so. Citizens are requested to rely only on official information from the Ministry of Finance, the Reserve Bank of India and NPCI, and not to forward unverified messages,” the government said.

The Vi Rs 675 plan is available in the Rajasthan telecom circle. With an effective cost of Rs 7.50 per day, it may appeal to voice-focused customers who primarily access the internet through Wi-Fi and require only a limited amount of mobile data.

Vodafone Idea Rs 675 Plan Benefits

The Rs 675 prepaid plan provides unlimited voice calls for its entire 90-day validity period. It also offers 5GB of mobile data every 30 days. This means the data benefit is allocated across three separate 30-day periods rather than being provided as one combined quota for the entire validity.

Also Read: Vodafone Idea Combo Validity Plans in August 2026: Full List and Benefits

The included data can be used for basic online activities such as messaging, checking emails, accessing digital-payment applications and occasional web browsing. However, customers who regularly stream videos, attend video calls or download large files may require a plan with a higher data allowance.

At Rs 675 for 90 days, the plan’s effective cost works out to Rs 7.50 per day. It is also equivalent to approximately Rs 225 for every 30 days of connectivity.

Intended for Voice-Focused Customers

Unlimited calling is the principal benefit of the Vi Rs 675 plan. Customers can make local and national voice calls throughout the 90-day validity period without having to track a separate calling allowance.

The offering could be suitable for customers who use Wi-Fi at home or work and need mobile data mainly while travelling or when Wi-Fi is unavailable. It may also be considered for a secondary Vi connection or a number used primarily for voice calls.

Unlike conventional daily-data plans, this recharge does not provide a fresh data allowance every day. Instead, users receive 5GB for each 30-day period. Customers should therefore monitor their usage if they depend on mobile data frequently.

Additional Data and SMS Charges

Once the applicable 5GB data quota is exhausted, further mobile-data usage is charged at 50 paise per MB. Since this can increase the overall cost for heavy-data users, customers should check their remaining allowance before continuing to use chargeable data.

Complimentary SMS benefits are not included with the plan. Vi charges Re 1 for every local SMS and Rs 1.50 for every STD SMS sent by the customer.

The plan also does not include any additional subscriptions or special-offer benefits. Its value proposition is centred on unlimited voice calling, limited periodic data and extended service validity.

A Convenient 90-Day Recharge Option

For customers with modest mobile-data requirements, Vi’s Rs 675 plan combines unlimited calling with the convenience of a longer recharge cycle. Subscribers do not need to complete another validity recharge every 28 or 30 days, while the periodic 5GB data allowance provides access to essential online services.

The plan is currently listed for Vodafone Idea customers in Rajasthan. Subscribers should verify its availability and benefits through the Vi application or an official Vi recharge channel before making a payment, as prepaid-plan availability can differ between telecom circles.

Overall, the Rs 675 plan provides a straightforward voice-focused option with 90 days of validity at an effective cost of Rs 7.50 per day.

The new AirPods could be launched at the Apple Event in September 2026. More details about this have been found by looking deeper at the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release. So what does it reveal? Read below.

Apple New AirPods to Feature Cameras with Visual Intelligence Support

Apple has always been focused on adding more value focused features on the AirPods. For example, take Hearing Aid. This is a great initiative from Apple, and something, which will help millions of people across the world. With the cameras on AirPods, the information captured will be feeded to Visual Intelligence by Apple. After that, Siri will be able to answer questions about the person’s (user wearing the AirPods) surroundings and log information.

In case the AirPods are being covered by the hair, an alert will be sent to the user. The AirPods which will come with support for cameras has a codename B790. This is not the first time AirPods with cameras have surfaced online. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, a popular tipster around Apple’s developments and upcoming releases, has also talked about these AirPods. In fact, Gurman has mentioned that these new TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earphones from Apple will launch in the September iPhone event itself. The upcoming Apple event will also see the arrival of new iPhone 18 Pro models and the iPhone Ultra, Apple’s first foldable device in the country. Keep reading TelecomTalk to stay updated with the developments.