According to the official guidelines set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), prepaid SIM cards cannot be deactivated earlier than 90 days for non-usage. This means that if a prepaid user does not use their SIM card for any incoming/outgoing voice/video calls, outgoing SMS, data usage, or usage of value-added services (VAS), their SIM card cannot be deactivated by the telecom provider for a minimum period of 90 days.
This rule has been put in place to protect the interests of prepaid users and ensure that they have sufficient time to use their SIM card before it can be deactivated due to non-usage. It allows users the flexibility to keep their prepaid connection active even if they do not use it regularly.
In practical terms, this means that if you have a prepaid SIM card and you do not make any calls, send any SMS, use any data services, or avail any value-added services for a period of 90 days or more, your SIM card may be at risk of deactivation by the telecom provider.
It is important to note that this 90-day period is not a fixed timeline for all telecom providers. Some providers may have slightly different policies regarding SIM card deactivation for non-usage, so it is always advisable to check with your specific telecom provider for their exact guidelines.
In my personal experience, I have found that prepaid SIM cards can remain active for a long time even without regular usage. I have had instances where I did not use my prepaid SIM card for several months, and it remained active without any issues. However, it is always recommended to use your prepaid SIM card at least once every few months to ensure its uninterrupted service.
To summarize, as per TRAI guidelines, prepaid SIM cards cannot be deactivated earlier than 90 days for non-usage. It is important to use your prepaid SIM card for incoming/outgoing calls, SMS, data usage, or value-added services to maintain its active status. It is advisable to check with your specific telecom provider for their exact policies regarding SIM card deactivation for non-usage.