Have you also not recharged your mobile for months? Know these rules of TRAI, otherwise the number will be closed forever:

Telecom News & TRAI Guidelines: If you also use two SIM cards and have not done any recharge on your secondary number for a long time, then this news is very important for you. Nowadays everything from bank account to Aadhaar card is linked to mobile number. In such a situation, switching off the number can become a big problem for you. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has made strict rules regarding keeping SIM active. Let us know for how many days your number can remain active without recharging and how it can be saved from being switched off.

What is the ‘inactivity’ limit of 90 days?

According to TRAI guidelines, if any mobile number is continuously 90 days If there is no activity for (about 3 months), then telecom companies can deactivate that SIM card. Inactivity means if you do not make any outgoing call, use internet data, send SMS or do any new recharge for 90 days.

‘Magic’ balance of ₹20 can save your number

If the validity of your phone has expired and you do not want to do any expensive recharge, then there is a very useful trick for you. If you have talk time balance of ₹20 or more in your main account, your SIM will not be switched off.

As per the rule, on completion of 90 days, the company will deduct Rs 20 from your main balance and extend the life of your number for the next 30 days. This cycle will continue as long as there is a balance of ₹20 in your account.

Companies give 15 days grace period

Telecom companies do not block your number directly. Before completely switching off the SIM, the customers 15 day ‘grace period’ (Grace Period) is given. During this period, you can reactivate your deactivated number by paying a penalty fee of Rs 20.

Understand the rules of Jio, Airtel and BSNL

Jio, Airtel and Vi: Private telecom companies follow the 90 days rule very strictly. Generally, the facility of incoming calls and messages is stopped within 15 to 30 days of the end of recharge.

Fun for BSNL customers: Government telecom company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) provides big relief in this matter. BSNL SIM card even without any recharge 180 days Can remain active for (about 6 months).

What stops if you don’t recharge?

First 15 days: Within about 15 days of your validity ending, your outgoing call and SMS service is completely stopped.

45 to 60 days: After one to two months, companies stop receiving incoming calls on your number.

After 90 days: If there is no movement for 90 days (including grace period), the number is locked forever. Later this number can be re-allotted to another customer.

Expert advice: Since your mobile number is linked to the bank and other important documents, to keep it safe, keep doing minimum validity recharge.