New telecom rules require operators to offer voice-and-SMS-only Special Tariff Vouchers across corresponding validity periods, expanding recharge choices for users who do not need bundled data

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new rules aimed at expanding consumer choice in mobile recharges, particularly for subscribers who primarily use their connections for voice calls and SMS and do not require bundled data services.

TRAI on September 22 issued the Telecom Consumers Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, requiring telecom service providers to offer additional Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) exclusively for voice and SMS. The regulator's move follows a consultation process and an assessment that the availability of such plans had become limited.

Voice and SMS-only plans to match existing validity options

Under the amended framework, telecom operators will have to provide voice-and-SMS-only STVs corresponding to the validity periods offered for their voice, SMS and data STVs.

The rules require these voice-and-SMS-only vouchers to be priced with a largely proportional reduction in tariff compared with corresponding plans that include data. This is intended to ensure that customers who do not require mobile data are not required to pay for bundled services they may not use.

The requirement covers a range of validity periods, including plans of 30 days and shorter durations. Operators will also need to provide longer-validity voice-and-SMS-only options where comparable longer-duration STVs are available.

Monthly renewal option adds flexibility

The amended rules also provide for validity periods that can renew on the same date each month. Where that date does not exist in a particular month, the renewal will take place on the last day of that month.

This provision is aimed at making recurring recharge arrangements easier for consumers and provides an alternative to plans based only on fixed validity periods.

For customers who use their mobile phones primarily for calling and messaging, the expanded range of validity choices could make it easier to select a plan according to their usage pattern rather than opting for a bundled data package.

TRAI responds to limited availability of basic plans

The regulatory intervention follows TRAI's observation that the availability of voice-and-SMS-only STVs had become limited after the Telecom Consumers Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations, 2024.

The 2024 framework had already required every telecom service provider to offer at least one Special Tariff Voucher exclusively for voice and SMS. TRAI subsequently observed that only a limited number of such vouchers were being offered and received representations seeking shorter-duration options.

The regulator therefore proposed linking voice-and-SMS-only options to the different validity periods offered for bundled plans. The draft was released for consultation in April 2026, and TRAI subsequently held an open house discussion on June 15. The consultation process received responses from a broad range of stakeholders.

Consumer choice remains at the centre of the framework

The new rules could be particularly relevant for consumers who have limited or no requirement for mobile data, including users who primarily use their phones for voice communication and SMS.

The regulatory approach gives subscribers more flexibility to select services based on their actual requirements and spending capacity. Instead of having to choose a data-inclusive recharge simply to maintain voice connectivity, customers will have more dedicated options to consider.

TRAI's framework also links the pricing of these plans to corresponding bundled vouchers, with the objective of providing a proportional tariff reduction when data services are excluded.

Telecom operators had raised concerns during consultation

The proposed framework had also attracted differing views from industry stakeholders during the consultation process. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), in its response to the draft, questioned whether prescribing voice-and-SMS-only plans across every validity period was necessary, arguing that consumer usage was increasingly centred on integrated voice and data services.

Consumer-focused submissions, on the other hand, highlighted the importance of genuine choice, transparent pricing and easy visibility of voice-and-SMS-only plans across retail outlets, websites and mobile applications.

The final regulations reflect TRAI's decision to proceed with a more detailed requirement for the availability of such vouchers.

What the new rules mean for telecom users

For consumers, the most significant change is the expansion of choice. A subscriber who does not need data will have access to more voice-and-SMS-only recharge options across different validity periods.

The changes also establish a clearer relationship between bundled and non-data plans, with the latter required to carry a largely proportionate tariff reduction.

Telecom operators will now have to adjust their tariff offerings and ensure that the required STVs are made available in accordance with the amended regulations.

What it means for telecom companies

For telecom operators, the new framework could require changes to tariff structures, recharge portfolios and the way plans are presented to customers. The impact on individual operators will depend on their existing tariff mix and the extent to which they currently offer voice-and-SMS-only products.

The regulations also reinforce TRAI's broader consumer-protection approach by requiring operators to provide greater flexibility rather than relying predominantly on bundled offerings.

Market Outlook

TRAI's latest amendment could reshape the lower-cost segment of India's prepaid telecom market by increasing the number of voice-and-SMS-only options available to subscribers. The key factor to watch will be how operators implement the new requirements, particularly the pricing, validity periods and visibility of these plans.

For telecom companies, the effect on recharge mix, average revenue per user and customer behaviour will become clearer as the revised plans are introduced. For consumers, the immediate significance lies in having more flexibility to pay for the services they actually use.