Trai Proposes Affordable Voice and SMS-Only Tariff Packs for Consumers

Original: Trai proposes short-validity voice-SMS-only tariff packs with lower prices

Business Standard•Apr 7, 20263 min

In a Nutshell

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has proposed new short-validity tariff packs exclusively for voice and SMS, aimed at providing lower prices for consumers who do not require data. This initiative seeks to enhance consumer choice and prevent unnecessary spending on bundled services.

Key Points

01Trai's proposal aims to introduce special tariff vouchers (STVs) for voice and SMS only.
02Pricing for these STVs should be proportionately lower than bundled STVs that include data.
03The proposal is part of a draft amendment to the Telecom Consumer Protection Regulation, 2026.
04Trai emphasizes the need for greater consumer choice, especially for non-data users.
05The regulator will review the implementation of these changes in six months.

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Full Summary

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has proposed a draft amendment to the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation, 2026, which aims to introduce special tariff vouchers (STVs) exclusively for voice and SMS. These STVs are expected to have the same validity duration as existing STVs that include data but will be priced lower to benefit consumers who do not need data services. Trai noted that the lack of STVs across multiple validity periods limits consumer choices, forcing many to purchase unnecessary bundled packs. The amendment seeks to enhance transparency and provide greater choices for consumers, particularly benefiting elderly individuals, low-income users, and those less active digitally. Trai's previous amendment had already directed telecom companies to offer at least one STV exclusively for voice and SMS with longer validity options. The regulator will review the effectiveness of these proposed changes after six months.

Key Figures

April 28

Deadline for stakeholders to provide comments on the proposal

6 months

Timeframe for Trai to review the implementation of the proposed changes

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Why It Matters

This proposal will allow consumers, particularly those who do not use data, to save money by choosing more affordable voice and SMS-only plans, thus improving their overall telecom experience.

Who is affected

Elderly individuals, low-income users, and those who do not require data services.

What to know

Consumers should provide feedback to Trai by the April 28 deadline to influence the final decision on these tariff packs.

FAQ

Trai has proposed special tariff vouchers (STVs) exclusively for voice and SMS, which will be priced lower than current bundled packs that include data.

The proposal aims to enhance consumer choice and affordability for those who do not require data services, preventing them from being forced to purchase unnecessary bundled packs.

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