Covid-19 lockdown: BSNL, Airtel extend validity of pre-paid mobile numbers

TNN | Mar 30, 2020, 09.34 PM IST

CHENNAI: Telecom operators BSNL and Airtel have announced extension of validity of pre-paid mobile numbers as many subscribers cannot recharge due to the lockdown in force to combat the spread of Covid-19. This means the mobile numbers of pre-paid subscribers will not be disconnected for the next fortnight.

BSNL Chennai Telephones chief general manager V K Sanjeevi said the validity of pre-paid mobile numbers of the state-owned telecom operator has been extended till April 20.

"We are also adding Rs 10 as an incentive to every pre-paid number such that they can stay in touch with their kith and kin on the phones," he said.

BSNL has a subscriber base of more than one crore pre-paid numbers in Tamil Nadu, of which 15 lakh are in Chennai telecom circle comprising Chennai, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts.

Airtel has extended the pre-paid pack validity for more than 80 million customers till April 17, 2020. In a statement, Bharti Airtel announced that all these customers will continue to get incoming calls on their mobile numbers even after the validity of their plan is exhausted.

An additional Rs 10 of talk time will be credited to the pre-paid accounts to enable them to make calls or send SMS and stay connected with their loved ones, the statement added.