The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper aimed at reviewing mobile recharge plans. The paper proposes introducing separate recharge vouchers for voice calls, data, and SMS, in addition to the existing bundled plans.
Titled “Consultation Paper on Review of Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations (TCPR), 2012,” the document also explores whether the maximum validity of Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) and Combo Vouchers (CVs) should be extended beyond the current 90-day limit. TRAI noted that many consumers are currently paying for data they do not use, as most bundled plans include data, voice, and SMS services.
The consultation paper addresses this concern by considering the introduction of product-specific tariff offerings (Voice/SMS/Data and their combinations) alongside the current plans.
The paper indicates a growing perception among consumers that bundled offerings limit their ability to choose telecom services that best meet their individual needs.
