Airtel
Airtel, one of India’s leading telecom operators, offers a wide variety of recharge plans to suit every budget. Among these, its cheapest prepaid plan stands out for offering impressive value at a low cost. For budget-conscious users, students, or those who use their phones primarily for incoming calls and occasional browsing, this plan offers great benefits without burning a hole in the pocket.

The Most Affordable Airtel Recharge Plan
As of mid 2025, one of the cheapest Airtel recharge plans is the ₹99 Smart Recharge Pack. While prices may slightly vary by region, this plan is widely available across most telecom circles in India. It is designed to provide basic connectivity and help users stay active on the network.
Plan Details:
- Price: ₹99
- Validity: 28 days
- Talktime: ₹99 worth of talktime (main balance)
- Outgoing SMS: Local & STD at ₹1 and ₹1.5 respectively
- Data: 200MB of 4G data
- Calls: Calls charged at 2.5p/sec
This plan is ideal for users who don’t make frequent calls or use mobile data extensively but still want to keep their number active and accessible.
Big Benefits of the Plan

1. Pocket-Friendly
The biggest advantage is affordability. At just ₹99, users can keep their number active and receive calls or messages. This is especially useful for senior citizens, secondary SIM users, or rural customers who don’t rely heavily on mobile internet.
2. Validity Extension
This plan extends your SIM’s active status by 28 days. Even if you don’t make calls, your incoming calls and SMS remain functional, making it perfect for users who just need basic service.
3. Data Access for Emergencies
The 200MB of data may not be much, but it’s enough for checking emails, using UPI apps, or browsing in low-data mode. For emergencies, this small data balance can be a lifesaver.
4. Full Talktime Usage
Unlike some plans that deduct service charges, the ₹99 talktime in this plan is fully usable for calls or SMS at standard rates. It offers flexibility without any hidden deductions.
5. UPI and Banking Support
With basic connectivity and mobile data, users can continue using digital banking and UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm. This ensures that even with a low-cost plan, users can still make online payments or receive money securely.
Who Should Consider This Plan?
- Students who rely on Wi-Fi but need a mobile backup
- Elderly users who mostly receive calls
- People with secondary numbers for work or online services
- Rural users who prefer basic phone usage
Airtel’s ₹99 plan is proof that affordable telecom services can still provide meaningful value. While it may not suit heavy data users or binge watchers, it’s perfect for those who want reliability and network access at a minimal cost. With basic talktime, some data, and full validity, this plan is a smart choice for anyone looking to save money while staying connected.