The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has finalised new rules aimed at providing mobile users with more flexible and affordable recharge options. Under the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, telecom operators will have to offer voice-and-SMS-only plans without bundled data, along with shorter validity options.
The new framework is particularly aimed at consumers who mainly use their mobile phones for calling and SMS and do not require mobile data. TRAI said its consultation process found that voice-and-SMS-only vouchers were largely available with longer validity periods, limiting shorter and potentially more affordable choices.
Under the amended rules, operators will have to provide voice-and-SMS-only Special Tariff Vouchers for validity periods of 30 days or less corresponding to qualifying bundled plans, with an appropriate reduction in tariff. Companies must also offer at least one voice-and-SMS-only voucher that can be renewed on the same date every month. If that date does not exist in a particular month, renewal will take place on the last day of that month.
The rules also require telecom companies to provide at least one voice-and-SMS-only option with a validity longer than the monthly-renewable plan. The new framework is intended to give consumers greater choice, particularly those who do not need internet data with their mobile connection.
The regulations were issued in September 2026 and are expected to expand the availability of shorter-duration recharge options across telecom operators.
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