Ranchi, Feb. 14: Reliance is offering free SIM cards to certain subscribers who have been their customers for at least three years. But some patrons have expressed scepticism at the offer.

The offer, effective till February 28, is extended only to subscribers under its pre-paid Smart (GSM) scheme and is being offered, a company source said, as loyalty bonus.

Although about 9,000 people have been offered the additional connection, company sources said, less than 50 have opted for the scheme.

Most beneficiaries this correspondent spoke to said the conditions in the offer look like a ?trap?. ?I might get the SIM for free, but will have to pay regularly to ensure that it is not de-activated,? said a subscriber.

But company sources said the scheme was only ?a recognition given to subscribers for being customers for such a long time?, and added that they expect less than 500 subscribers to opt for the scheme.