The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new measures aimed at providing prepaid mobile users with more flexible and consumer-friendly recharge options. Under the Telecom Consumers Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, telecom operators such as Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea are now required to offer voice-and-SMS-only plans with validity periods of 30 days or less, in addition to existing bundled plans.
The newly mandated rules also stipulate that monthly plans must renew on the same date each month. In cases where such a date does not exist within a particular month, the plan will renew on the month’s final day. This move ensures consistency and predictability for consumers managing their mobile expenses.
Furthermore, operators must provide at least one longer-duration voice-and-SMS-only plan that corresponds to the validity of their broader data-bundled plans. This initiative specifically targets consumers, such as senior citizens and those who primarily use their phones for calls and messages, who do not require mobile data and are seeking more affordable options.
These changes come after TRAI’s earlier directions issued in December 2024, which highlighted a lack of comprehensive voice-and-SMS-only plans across various validity periods by operators. The new provisions are expected to expand consumer choice significantly and cater to a diverse range of user needs.
By implementing these regulations, TRAI aims to enhance consumer satisfaction and address the gaps identified in the availability of voice-and-SMS-only plans. This development reflects TRAI’s ongoing efforts to ensure telecom services meet the evolving preferences and financial capabilities of Indian consumers.