Regulators
TRAI proposes more voice and SMS-only plans across all validity periods
Draft rules aim to widen affordable options as demand for basic packs rises
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has proposed fresh changes to telecom consumer rules, aiming to expand the availability of voice and SMS-only plans across different validity periods.
In its draft Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation, 2026, the regulator has suggested that telecom operators must offer standalone voice and SMS vouchers for every validity period currently available under bundled plans that include data.
The move comes after TRAI observed that despite its earlier mandate in 2024 requiring at least one such plan, only a limited number of voice and SMS-only vouchers are currently being offered by service providers. At the same time, users and stakeholders have been calling for shorter-duration packs that cater to basic communication needs without bundling data.
Under the new proposal, operators will need to mirror their existing tariff structures. For every bundled plan with voice, SMS and data, a corresponding voice and SMS-only option must be made available, with tariffs reduced proportionately. The idea is simple: more choice, and potentially lighter bills for users who do not need data-heavy packs.
The regulator has opened the draft for public consultation and invited comments from stakeholders by April 28. Submissions can be sent to Vijay Kumar, advisor financial and economic analysis at TRAI.
The proposal reflects a broader shift towards fine-tuning telecom offerings to match evolving consumer behaviour, especially among users seeking no-frills plans. If implemented, the changes could nudge telecom companies to rebalance their pricing strategies while giving consumers a clearer, more flexible set of choices.
