Trai mandates telcos to offer voice, SMS-only plans with shorter validity

India’s telecom regulator on Tuesday directed telecom service providers to ensure the availability of voice-only and SMS-only tariff plans with a minimum validity of 30 days or less, without bundled data, which would offer affordable options to consumers who may not need to use data.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) said that the amendments to the Telecom Consumer Protection Regulations (TCPR), 2024, have been made following consultations that showed limited availability of voice- and SMS-only Special Tariff Vouchers, or STVs, while longer-validity plans were being offered, depriving low-income consumers of affordable, shorter-duration tariff plans.

“The Authority is of the view that such a tariff framework would sufficiently address consumer requirements. This amended regulation will provide low-income consumers with more options, allowing them to recharge according to their requirements and financial capacity. Overall, it will improve choices for consumers preferring not to use STVs bundled with data,” TRAI said in the notification.