Summary:
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed new rules to improve affordability and consumer choice by requiring telecom operators to offer lower-cost plans limited to voice calls and SMS. Noting the limited availability and relatively high pricing of existing voice-only options, the regulator has suggested that such plans be introduced for every validity period currently available with bundled data packs, with proportionate price reductions. The move aims to benefit low-income, rural, and non-data users by expanding accessible options, ensuring fair pricing, and improving transparency, while also mandating clear display of these plans. The draft has been released for public consultation, with feedback invited until April 28, 2026.
On Tuesday, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued the Draft Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation, 2026, with the objective of improving consumer choice and making telecom tariffs more affordable. The proposal requires telecom operators to introduce lower-cost mobile plans that offer only voice calling and SMS services, unlike the existing Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs), which typically bundle data as well.
Focus on Affordability and Consumer Options
This initiative builds on the earlier Telecom Consumer Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulation, 2024, which mandated that telecom providers offer at least one STV dedicated solely to voice and SMS services. However, TRAI observed that such plans remain limited in availability across the market.
Scarcity of Voice-Only Plans
Following the implementation of the earlier rule, service providers did introduce voice-and-SMS-only STVs. Nevertheless, TRAI noted that only a small number of these plans exist, mostly with longer validity periods such as 80/84 days or 336/365 days.
Concerns Over Pricing
The regulator also highlighted that when these voice-and-SMS-only packs were first launched, they were priced relatively high. The reduction in cost did not adequately reflect the removal of data benefits from bundled plans. In other words, even without data services, the price cuts were not proportionate. Although prices were later adjusted after consumer feedback, the initial pricing limited the intended advantages for users.
TRAI further stated that it has received several representations from stakeholders calling for shorter-duration voice-and-SMS-only plans, especially for users who do not need data services.
Proposal for Equivalent Plans
To address this gap, TRAI has proposed that for every validity period offered under STVs that include voice, SMS, and data, telecom operators must also provide a corresponding plan limited to voice and SMS. These plans should be priced with a proportionate reduction compared to bundled offerings. The Authority emphasized that this measure is necessary to ensure fairness and better alignment with consumer needs.
Support for Rural and Low-Income Users
According to TRAI, consumers from low-income groups are currently missing out on affordable short-term options. This is particularly relevant for rural users and those using feature phones, who often prefer smaller recharge amounts based on their immediate needs.
The regulator also pointed out that users who do not require data currently face limited options and are placed at a disadvantage. This imbalance contradicts the goal of providing fair and non-discriminatory choices to all consumers, regardless of their usage preferences.
TRAI reiterated that the broader aim of telecom consumer protection regulations is to safeguard the interests of all user segments, including low-income groups, rural populations, elderly individuals, and those less familiar with technology, many of whom primarily rely on voice and SMS services.
The proposed amendment is expected to improve transparency, prevent consumers from being compelled to purchase bundled services they do not need, and ensure that users who do not use data are not unfairly charged. It will also expand the range of voice-and-SMS-only options, bringing them on par with plans that include data.
Visibility and Accessibility of Plans
TRAI has also directed that these voice-and-SMS-only STVs must be clearly published and easily accessible, in accordance with existing tariff publication guidelines issued on September 18, 2020. Telecom providers will be required to prominently display these plans across all customer interaction points, including customer care centres, retail outlets, points of sale, official websites, and mobile apps, enabling users to make informed decisions.
The draft regulation has been made available on TRAI’s official website for public consultation, with stakeholders invited to submit their feedback by April 28, 2026.
