The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled new regulations designed to offer prepaid mobile users in India more flexibility in their recharge options. This initiative introduces 30-day plans and voice-and-SMS-only packages, aiming to cater to consumers who predominantly use their phones for calls and messages rather than data services.
Under the Telecom Consumers Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, major telecom operators such as Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea are now required to provide voice-and-SMS-only plans with a validity of 30 days or less, wherever equivalent bundled plans are offered. Additionally, TRAI mandates that monthly plans should renew on the same date each month, or on the last day of the month if the specific date does not exist.
These changes follow directives issued by TRAI in December 2024, which encouraged the expansion of voice-and-SMS-only plans across various validity periods. However, the regulator observed that telecom operators had not fully implemented these options, prompting the introduction of the latest amendments.
Furthermore, the new rules compel telecom companies to offer at least one longer-duration voice-and-SMS-only plan corresponding to their longer data-bundled plans. This provision is expected to benefit consumers, including senior citizens and those looking for more affordable options without mobile data.
The updated regulations are anticipated to expand consumer choice and align with the needs of a segment of users who prefer simplicity and cost-effectiveness in their mobile services. By enhancing these options, TRAI aims to ensure that telecom providers meet a broader range of consumer preferences and demands.