This article provides an overview of Airtel and Vi prepaid plan categories, compares their plans based on validity, and examines customer support and user experience for both providers.

Airtel vs Vi: key differences in prepaid plans

  • When it comes to telecom giants in India, Airtel and VI (Vodafone Idea) dominate the market with their extensive services and plans. Both companies cater to millions, offering seamless connectivity, data, and voice services. Both prioritise customer satisfaction and provide convenient online options for their services.

    They make it simple to recharge your mobile or pay your bills. While there are many online platforms for this, it is best to stick to trusted BBPS platforms. With Bajaj Pay on Bajaj Finserv, you can quickly recharge or pay your postpaid bills. Plus, every transaction is encrypted to keep your details safe.

    Here is an overview of both:

    Airtel, one of India’s leading telecom providers, was founded in 1995 and has since revolutionised communication. It offers a wide range of services, including mobile connectivity, broadband, DTH, and enterprise solutions. Known for its consistent network coverage and innovations, Airtel provides users with value-added benefits like Wynk Music, Airtel Xstream, and Amazon Prime Video (on selected plans). Its commitment to enhancing customer experience ensures Airtel remains a top choice for urban and rural users alike.

    VI, formed in 2018 through the merger of Vodafone India and Idea Cellular, is another telecom powerhouse. It delivers diverse services, including mobile networks, enterprise solutions, and entertainment partnerships. VI is renowned for its attractive prepaid plans, exclusive add-ons like Prime Video Mobile edition and Apollo 24/7 Circle, and customer-centric services. Its focus on providing competitive data and voice benefits continues to attract users seeking budget-friendly plans.

    Overview of Airtel and VI prepaid plan categories

    Both Airtel and Vi offer prepaid plans tailored for diverse needs, including daily data, long validity, and exclusive benefits. Airtel plans often include Wynk Music and Xstream access, while VI integrates unique perks like Disney+ Hotstar Mobile and Apollo 24/7 Circle.

    Airtel’s plans are designed to cater to urban and rural users, offering reliable coverage and bonus app subscriptions. Similarly, VI focuses on data-heavy users by providing higher data allowances and exclusive entertainment features, appealing to those who consume extensive online content. These categories showcase the strength and adaptability of both operators.

    Comparison of Airtel vs VI prepaid plans by validity

    28 Days Validity plans

    FeatureAirtelVI
    PriceRs. 299, Rs. 349, Rs. 449, Rs. 549Rs. 299, Rs. 399, Rs. 499
    Data28GB to 84GB2GB/day to 2.5GB/day
    Voice CallsUnlimitedUnlimited
    SMS100 SMS/day100 SMS/day
    Additional benefitsWynk Music, Airtel Xstream (some plans)Prime video Mobile edition, Disney+ Hotstar Mobile (some plans), Apollo 24/7 Circle


    Note: Airtel provide plans from Rs. 299 up to Rs. 549 and VI provide plans from Rs. 299 up to Rs. 499 providing 28-30 days validity.

    56 Days Validity plans

    FeatureAirtelVI
    PriceRs. 838Rs. 479, Rs. 549, Rs. 699
    Data168GB1.5GB/day to 3GB/day
    Voice CallsUnlimitedUnlimited
    SMS100 SMS/day100 SMS/day
    Additional benefitsWynk Music, Amazon Prime (some plans)Prime video Mobile edition, Apollo 24/7 Circle (some plans)


    Note: Airtel provide a plan for Rs. 838 and VI provide plans from Rs. 479 up to Rs. 699, providing 56-60 days validity.

    84 Days Validity plans

    FeatureAirtelVI
    PriceRs. 979, Rs. 1199Rs. 719, Rs. 839, Rs. 999
    Data168GB to 210GB1.5GB/day to 2.5GB/day
    Voice CallsUnlimitedUnlimited
    SMS100 SMS/day100 SMS/day
    Additional benefitsWynk Music, Airtel Xstream (some plans), Amazon Prime (some plans)Prime video Mobile edition (Rs. 999 plan), Apollo 24/7 Circle (Rs. 999 plan)


    Note: Airtel provide plans from Rs. 859 up to Rs. 1,199 and Vi provide plans from Rs. 719 up to Rs. 999, providing 84-90 days validity.

    365 Days Validity plans

    FeatureAirtelVI
    PriceRs. 1,999, Rs. 3,599, Rs. 3,999Rs. 1,799, Rs. 2,999, Rs. 3,359
    Data24GB to 912.5GB2GB/day to 2.5GB/day
    Voice CallsUnlimitedUnlimited
    SMS100 SMS/day100 SMS/day
    Additional benefitsWynk Music, Disney+ Hotstar (Rs. 3,999 plan)Prime video Mobile edition, Disney+ Hotstar Mobile, Apollo 24/7 Circle (Rs. 3,359 plan)


    Note: Airtel provide plans from Rs. 1,999 up to Rs. 3,999 and Jio provide plans from Rs. 1,999 up to Rs. 3,599, providing 365 days validity.

    Customer support and user experience

    Airtel provides robust customer care with 24/7 support through the Airtel Thanks app, toll-free numbers, and dedicated service centres. It also offers multilingual assistance, ensuring that user issues are resolved quickly.

    VI prioritises customer satisfaction through its VI app, offering self-service options, live chat support, and a responsive helpline. Users can manage plans, pay bills, and raise service requests with ease. Both providers focus on user-friendly interfaces and reliable communication to enhance overall experiences.

    Whether you need to recharge your Airtel SIM or Vi prepaid plan, Bajaj Pay makes it quick and easy.

    Steps to recharge your prepaid SIM via the Bajaj Finserv website

    Here are the steps to recharge your prepaid SIM via the Bajaj Finserv website:

    1. Visit the Bajaj Finserv website

    2. Navigate to the 'PAYMENTS' section

    3. Select 'MOBILE RECHARGE' and choose your operator

    4. Enter your BSNL number and choose your preferred recharge plan

    5. Complete your payment using UPI, debit/credit card, or other options

    You will receive a confirmation message after successful payment.

    Steps to recharge your prepaid SIM via the Bajaj Finserv App

    Here are the steps to recharge your prepaid SIM via the Bajaj Finserv App:

    1. Download the Bajaj Finserv App from the Google Play Store or App Store and install it on your device

    2. Open the app, log in, or register if you are a new user

    3. Go to 'BILLS AND RECHARGES' and select 'MOBILE PREPAID'

    4. Enter your number and choose your preferred recharge plan

    5. Select a payment method from the list of available payment options such as credit cards, debit cards, and net banking

    6. After choosing your preferred payment mode, enter the requested payment details

    7. Check the details that you entered and click on 'PAY NOW'

    You will receive a notification from Bajaj Finserv after successful payment.

    Fees and Charges

    A platform fee of up to Rs. 5 will be charged on each mobile recharge and bill payment (inclusive of applicable taxes). For more information on fees and charges, click here.

    Note: For failed transactions, the total amount including charges except taxes are reversed.

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

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Frequently asked questions

Which operator provides better coverage in rural areas, Airtel or VI?
Airtel typically offers better rural coverage with extensive infrastructure, though VI is steadily expanding its network.

What is the best prepaid plan for heavy data usage: Airtel or VI?
VI's higher data offerings on certain plans make it ideal for heavy data users, especially with added entertainment benefits.

How can I recharge my Airtel or VI prepaid plan on the Bajaj Finserv website?

Visit ‘Bajaj Finserv BBPS PLATFORM’, select ‘MOBILE RECHARGE’, enter your details, and choose your desired plan.

What entertainment benefits do Airtel and VI prepaid plans provide?
Airtel offers Wynk Music, Airtel Xstream, and Amazon Prime, while VI includes Disney+ Hotstar Mobile and Apollo 24/7 Circle.

Are long-term plans more cost-effective on Airtel or VI?
VI's annual plans often come at a slightly lower price, but Airtel includes broader additional benefits.

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