TRAI Proposes Voice & SMS-Only Plans in New Draft Rule

New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the Draft Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation, 2026, proposing new rules that could require telecom operators to introduce Voice and SMS-only tariff vouchers corresponding to existing bundled plans that include voice, SMS, and data.

The draft regulation aims to enhance consumer choice and address concerns raised by users who prefer simpler telecom plans focused solely on voice calls and text messaging rather than bundled data services.

Background of the Proposal

Previously, TRAI had issued the Telecom Consumer Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulation, 2024, which mandated that every telecom service provider must offer at least one Special Tariff Voucher (STV) exclusively for voice and SMS services.

However, the authority observed that only a limited number of such vouchers are currently available in the market. This situation prompted concerns among certain consumer segments who rely mainly on voice communication and SMS services rather than internet-based usage.

According to TRAI, multiple representations were received from consumers and stakeholders requesting shorter-duration voice and SMS-only recharge packs. These requests highlighted the growing need for telecom offerings tailored to users who do not require mobile data but still depend heavily on traditional calling and messaging services.

Key Proposal in the Draft Amendment

To address these concerns, TRAI has proposed a new requirement for telecom operators.

Under the draft regulation:

• For every unique validity period offered under bundled plans that include voice, SMS, and data, telecom service providers must also offer a corresponding Special Tariff Voucher exclusively for voice and SMS.
• These voice and SMS-only vouchers should have tariffs proportionally reduced compared to bundled plans that include data.

The regulator believes that this measure will ensure greater transparency, affordability, and flexibility in telecom pricing structures.

Impact on Consumers

If implemented, the proposed regulation could benefit several user groups, including:

• Senior citizens and feature phone users who mainly use calling services.
• Rural and low-data users who do not require large internet data packages.
• Consumers looking for lower-cost telecom options without bundled internet services.

By mandating operators to offer corresponding voice and SMS-only vouchers for each validity period, TRAI aims to prevent telecom companies from pushing users toward bundled plans that include data even when it is not required.

Public Consultation Open

The draft regulation has been published on the official TRAI website for stakeholder consultation.

TRAI has invited written comments from stakeholders and the public by April 28, 2026. Feedback can be submitted electronically to Shri Vijay Kumar, Advisor (Financial & Economic Analysis), TRAI, via email.

The authority may consider these submissions before finalizing the regulation.

Industry experts believe the move could lead to more consumer-friendly telecom pricing, particularly in a market where bundled data plans have become dominant.