Telecom regulator TRAI has introduced new rules requiring telecom operators to offer more voice-and-SMS-only recharge options, including shorter-validity plans of 30 days or less.

The move is aimed at consumers who primarily use their mobile phones for calls and messages and do not need bundled mobile data. The new framework is expected to give such users more flexibility when choosing prepaid plans.

Voice And SMS Plans For 30 Days Or Less

Under the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, telecom operators will have to provide voice-and-SMS-only Special Tariff Vouchers, or STVs, corresponding to bundled plans with validity periods of 30 days or less.

These plans must come with an appropriate reduction in tariff because they do not include data services.

This means customers who only need calling and SMS will have more short-duration options instead of having to choose longer-validity plans or pay for data they may not use.

Monthly Renewal Option Also Mandatory

TRAI has also mandated at least one voice-and-SMS-only plan that can be renewed on the same date every month.

For example, if a customer activates a monthly plan on the 15th, the plan should normally be renewable on the 15th of every subsequent month.

If that date does not exist in a particular month, the renewal date will shift to the last day of that month.

Longer-Validity Voice Plans Required

The new framework is not limited to short-duration recharges.

Telecom operators will also have to offer at least one voice-and-SMS-only STV with a validity longer than the shorter-duration and monthly options.

The longer plan will correspond to the longer-validity voice, SMS and data offerings available from the operator.

TRAI Targets Consumers Who Do Not Need Data

TRAI said the changes are intended to improve choices for consumers who do not want data bundled with their mobile plans.

This could particularly help low-income users and other customers who primarily use their phones for traditional voice calls and text messages.

Feature-phone users and people maintaining secondary mobile connections could also have more options under the revised framework.

Rules Follow 1,132 Stakeholder Responses

The new regulations follow a consultation process that began earlier this year.

TRAI released the draft amendment in April 2026 and received 1,132 responses from stakeholders. It subsequently held an Open House Discussion in June before finalising the regulations.

The regulator said its decision was based on the stakeholder feedback as well as its own analysis of the telecom tariff market.

Jio, Airtel And Vi Had Raised Concerns

The move comes despite concerns raised by major telecom operators during the consultation process.

Operators including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea had raised concerns about mandatory voice-and-SMS-only plans, including questions around consumer demand and the economics of offering such plans.

TRAI has nevertheless proceeded with the amended consumer protection regulations.

What Changes For Mobile Users

The new rules mean consumers will have greater choice between data-inclusive plans and voice-and-SMS-only options.

Instead of paying for a bundled data allowance they may not use, eligible customers will be able to choose plans focused specifically on calls and SMS, with different validity periods.

The changes are therefore expected to reshape the prepaid recharge options offered by India’s telecom operators as they revise their existing plan portfolios to comply with the new framework.

Summary

TRAI has mandated telecom operators to offer more voice-and-SMS-only Special Tariff Vouchers, including plans with validity of 30 days or less. Operators must also provide a monthly-renewable option and at least one longer-validity plan. The regulator says the move will give consumers who do not need mobile data more flexible and affordable recharge choices.