Telecom regulator TRAI on Monday amended the tariff rules to provide relief to those who use only talk and SMS facilities on mobile. Under this, mobile service providers have been made mandatory to issue a separate 'plan' for 'voice call' and SMS for customers who do not use the net.

The decision comes at a time when most homes are equipped with in-built Wi-Fi, posing a potential threat to telecom operators' recently gaining ARPUs.

This move aims to offer consumers the flexibility to pay for only the services they need while providing particular benefits to specific groups, especially the elderly and those in rural areas.

The latest TRAI mandate directs telecom operators to now also offer mobile tariff plans that focus only on SMS and voice calls.

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

Telecom companies in India have criticised Trai's mandate for voice and SMS-only tariff packs, arguing it could hinder upgrades to 4G and 5G networks and deter 2G users from data services, thereby affecting access to digital initiatives.

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.