Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has introduced new regulations for mobile recharge plans through its recent proposal. The proposal requires telecom companies to offer voice-only and SMS-only plans without bundled data.
TRAI shared these ideas in a consultation paper titled “Telecom Consumer Protection Regulations, 2026.” Public feedback collection on these proposals will continue until April 28 according to the authority.
People who require calling and messaging services without internet access will benefit from cost reduction efforts.
Current System and Its Limitations
Telecom companies today provide bundled plans which contain multiple services. These plans include:
- Mobile data
- Unlimited voice calls
- SMS services
All services require users to pay which includes both active and inactive mobile data services.
The system creates additional expenses for:
- Feature phone users
- Elderly users
- Users who only need calling services
Proposed Changes in Plan Options
TRAI has suggested that telecom companies must introduce data-free plans across multiple validity periods.
The options available include
- 28 days
- 56 days
- 84 days
Some companies provide voice-only plans but their availability is restricted to extended time periods which start from 84 days and end at one year.
Users will acquire additional flexibility to use shorter-duration plans through the new proposal.
Expected Impact on Pricing
The TRAI recommendation states that voice-only and SMS-only plans should have lower prices than data-inclusive plans.
For example:
- A typical 28-day bundled plan costs around ₹300
- The user must pay for data which they do not need because it comes included in the package
Users can now choose more affordable options that allow them to avoid paying for their unused data according to the newly established regulations.
Benefits for Users
The proposed changes aim to improve affordability and choice.
Key benefits include:
- Lower recharge costs
- Users can select from various plan options which match their actual consumption
- The system establishes improved assistance methods to support users who do not access the internet
The new changes will provide special assistance to:
- Elderly users
- Users of basic mobile phones
- People who require essential communication resources to communicate with others
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