TRAI orders cheap voice and SMS only recharge plans

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, TRAI, has given mobile users major relief. Under the new rule, all telecom companies including Jio, Airtel, Vodafone-Idea and BSNL will now have to offer cheap Special Tariff Vouchers, or STVs, with validity of 30 days or less. These plans will not have data, only voice calling and SMS facilities.

Many users do not need mobile internet or data at all, yet they are forced to buy expensive, long-validity recharge packs that include data. This is particularly difficult for lower-income users who find it hard to spend a large amount at once. Keeping this in mind, TRAI has brought in the new rule under the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026.

The new rules lay down several key requirements. First, companies must launch voice and SMS only plans with validity of 30 days or less for the convenience of users. Second, every company must offer at least one STV that can be easily renewed on a fixed date each month, meaning a monthly auto-renewal option will be available. Third, companies must also make available at least one voice-SMS only plan with validity of more than 30 days, depending on user preference. Fourth, companies have been directed to make appropriate price cuts so that these plans are cheaper than data packs.

TRAI has also given strict directions to operator companies to curb spam calls and automated fraud calls. Companies have been asked to use artificial intelligence technology and to share information about suspicious numbers with each other.

TRAI has not mentioned a date for when the new system will take effect in its notification, so companies will now have to act on it. New prepaid plans offering only calling and SMS with shorter validity are expected in the coming days.