Meanwhile, telecom operators have been focusing on bundled plans that combine voice, data, SMS, and even OTT services to increase their Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). The new regulations challenge this approach by advocating for simpler, more cost-effective options for consumers.

While TRAI’s initiative prioritizes consumer choice, it comes at a time when leading telecom companies like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are aggressively pushing to migrate users from 2G to 4G or even 5G networks.

The amendment by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India introduces several new consumer protection regulations.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has updated its tariff guidelines, asking mobile service providers to launch recharge plans exclusively for voice calls and SMS. The new mandate comes as a way to serve customers who don't use mobile data.

Trai has also asked telcos to do away with colour coding of vouchers as it exists in the physical form, in view of the prominence of online recharges.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has revised its tariff regulations, requiring mobile service providers to offer recharge plans exclusively for voice calls and SMS, without mandating the inclusion of Internet data.

TRAI mandates separate Voice & SMS vouchers for consumer flexibility, targeting elderly, rural users, simplifying choices, and enhancing user satisfaction.

Trai has mandated that telecom operators provide separate plans for voice and SMS without including data. This decision aims to support feature phone users, the elderly, and rural consumers who do not use internet services.

Trai has amended tariff rules to require mobile service providers to offer a separate plan for voice calls and SMS for customers who do not use data, removing the 90-day cap on special recharge coupons and extending it to up to 365 days.