Summary of this article
TRAI proposes voice-only tariff plans.
Non-data users may pay less.
Operators must match bundled plan validity.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed a significant amendment that provides huge relief to consumers who solely rely on voice calls and SMS, in the process making mobile services much more affordable for millions of users. If this amendment is implemented, it would require telecom providers to offer standalone voice and SMS tariff plans across all validity periods that are offered for the rest of the bundle plans. This would ensure that users only pay for services that are suitable for them.
This proposal came after TRAI reviewed the implementation of its 2024 regulations. Under that, a direction was made for telecom companies to introduce at least one special tariff voucher (STV) exclusively for voice and SMS services.
However, the regulator has observed that only a few telecom service providers have provided such plans, most of which came with timeline-related clauses. More so, the pricing of these plans was not reduced in a proportionate manner, despite reducing prices for mobile data.
To bridge this gap, TRAI’s Draft Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation, 2026 has proposed that for every unique validity period offered under bundled voice, SMS, and data plans, telecom operators must also provide a corresponding voice-and-SMS-only voucher. These standalone plans are expected to be priced lower in proportion to the removal of data benefits, ensuring fairer pricing for users who do not require Internet services.
The move is expected to benefit a large section of India’s mobile subscribers, including senior citizens, feature phone users, and rural consumers who primarily use mobile phones for calling and text messaging. These users often have no practical need for data, but are currently compelled to purchase bundled plans that include Internet services, increasing their overall telecom expenses.
Aside from affordability, the proposal seeks to improve consumer choice and market transparency. By ensuring that telecom companies offer equal non-data plans, TRAI aims to prevent the forced purchase of unwanted services and create a more competitive pricing environment. Consumers would be able to choose recharge plans based on their actual usage rather than being limited to data-centric offerings.
