TRAI has introduced new consumer protection rules that will give mobile users more options to choose voice and SMS-only recharge plans. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released the Telecom Consumers Protection (13th Amendment) Regulations, 2026 on September 22, 2026.
The move is particularly relevant for subscribers who mainly use their mobile phones for calling and messaging and have little or no need for mobile data.
Under the new framework, when a telecom operator offers a Special Tariff Voucher (STV) that combines voice calls, SMS and data, it must also offer a corresponding STV for voice and SMS without data for the same validity period. TRAI had earlier noted that only a limited number of voice-and-SMS-only STVs were available.
Jio, Airtel and Vi Must Provide Voice and SMS-Only Options
The new rules are designed to provide consumers with greater flexibility when selecting prepaid recharge plans. Users who do not need internet data will be able to choose a plan that covers voice calls and SMS without having to pay for bundled data.
The corresponding voice-and-SMS-only STV is required to match the validity period of the applicable voice, SMS and data STV. TRAI’s framework also provides for a largely proportional reduction in tariff when data is removed from the bundled plan.
This means customers who primarily need their mobile connection for calls and messages will have an additional recharge option instead of being limited to plans that include data.
What the New TRAI Rules Mean for Recharge Validity
The new provisions also address different recharge validity periods. For applicable STVs, telecom companies are required to provide corresponding voice-and-SMS-only options rather than limiting such plans to only a few selected durations.
TRAI’s earlier draft said the requirement was intended to address the limited availability of voice-and-SMS-only STVs, particularly for shorter validity periods. The regulator also highlighted the need for more suitable choices for consumers looking for lower-cost options based on their specific usage.
TRAI currently describes voice-and-SMS-only packs as prepaid plans that provide calling and SMS services without mobile data. Its consumer information page states that such plans can have validity of up to 365 days.
Who Can Benefit From Data-Free Recharge Plans?
The new rules are especially relevant to subscribers who rarely use mobile internet or do not need data on their primary mobile connection.
Instead of selecting a recharge that includes unused data, these users can choose a voice-and-SMS-only option where available. This gives customers more flexibility to select a plan according to their actual usage requirements.
For consumers who mainly depend on calling and messaging, the availability of different voice-and-SMS-only recharge options could make it easier to choose a suitable validity period and avoid paying for services they do not need.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes. Recharge plans, prices, validity periods and other terms may vary by telecom operator and may change over time. Readers should check the latest plan details and applicable terms directly with their telecom service provider before recharging.