The main focus is on enhancing pricing flexibility. At present, the majority of telecom plans bundle data, voice, and SMS benefits. TRAI argues that such bundling often compels users to pay for services they may not need.
To address this issue, the regulator has proposed that telecom firms must offer a voice and SMS-only alternative for every bundled plan available. In essence, if a company offers a 28-day, 56-day, or 84-day plan inclusive of data, it must also present the same plans devoid of data.
#TRAI has published the Draft Telecom Consumer Protection (13th Amendment) Regulations, 2026 proposing Voice & SMS-only packs across all validity periods, providing consumers with enhanced choices & preventing obligatory data bundling.
Comments can be shared by 28 April ’26.
For more details: pic.twitter.com/X7nHuob3QU— TRAI (@TRAI) April 8, 2026
“Telecom Service Providers have introduced Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) specifically for Voice and SMS. However, it has been observed that only a limited number of STVs are available, primarily with longer validity periods such as 80 / 84 days or 336/365 days,” TRAI remarked in the draft.
Another issue raised in the draft concerns pricing. TRAI pointed out that even when voice-only plans are available, their pricing often lacks fairness compared to bundled plans.
“Voice and SMS Special Tariff Vouchers should be priced with a significantly proportional reduction in tariffs relative to Special Tariff Vouchers of similar validity that include Voice, SMS, and data,” it asserted.
The proposed modifications are anticipated to benefit a substantial number of users who either have minimal need for mobile data or cannot afford higher-priced bundled offerings. This demographic includes elderly users who prefer basic phones, individuals in rural regions with limited internet connectivity, and low-income groups looking to manage their expenses through smaller recharge amounts.
TRAI has also emphasized the necessity for more short-duration plans. Currently, most voice-only options are available for longer terms, which may not cater to users who prefer frequent, low-cost recharges.
“Consumers from low-income groups, especially those residing in rural areas or using feature phones, require shorter validity packs to recharge according to their needs,” it mentioned.
The draft proposal emerges after previous attempts to establish at least one voice and SMS-only pack did not comprehensively address consumer issues. The regulator has also solicited feedback on the proposal, inviting comments until April 28.
