TRAI tells telcos to launch more affordable voice and SMS-only plans
If you are one who uses the phone mainly for calls or text messages, but still pays for internet, TRAI has some good news for you. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has directed telecom operators to introduce more voice-and-SMS-only prepaid plans, including shorter-validity options.
The move is aimed at giving consumers more flexibility, especially those who do not need data and prefer to recharge according to their budget. Under the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, operators will have to offer voice-and-SMS-only special tariff vouchers (STVs) with validity of up to 30 days, as well as at least one plan with validity exceeding 30 days.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StoryWhat are the new TRAI rules for voice-only recharge plansTRAI has asked telecom operators to offer voice-and-SMS-only plans with validity periods of 30 days and less, in line with the shorter-duration options available in their existing tariff offerings. These packs must come with an appropriate reduction in price to account for the absence of mobile data.
The regulator has also directed operators to offer at least one voice-and-SMS-only plan with validity exceeding 30 days. These packs must be renewable on the same date every month. If that date does not exist in a particular month, the renewal will take place on the last day of that month.
In simple terms, users could soon get more choices instead of having to pick a longer recharge plan just to keep their phone working for calls and SMS.
TRAI said it had noticed that most voice-and-SMS-only plans offered by telecom operators were concentrated around longer validity periods, such as 80 or 84 days and 336 or 365 days. This left consumers with fewer affordable options for shorter periods.
The regulator believes the new framework will particularly help low-income users, who may want to recharge for shorter periods depending on their needs and financial situation.Will these plans be cheaper
Currently, Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea offer voice-and-SMS-only recharge options with quarterly and annual validity. Jio’s plans include Rs 448 for a quarterly recharge and Rs 1,748 for an annual one. Airtel and Vodafone Idea offer annual plans at Rs 1,849, while their quarterly plans are priced at Rs 469 and Rs 470, respectively.
The new rules could give users more options beyond these longer-validity packs. However, the exact prices of the new plans have not been announced yet.- EndsPublished By: Kazi NasirPublished On: Sep 23, 2026 16:14 ISTAlso Read | Elon Musk says AI will master all fields by 2028Also Read | Oppo Find X10 Pro Max launched with three 200MP cameras, 8,000mAh batteryAlso Read | CBSE teen hacker Nisarga gets named in US DoJ Hall of Fame, says he found critical flaw