The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced significant amendments to the telecom tariff regulations, requiring mobile service providers to offer recharge plans exclusively for voice calls and SMS.
This landmark decision, announced on Monday (December 23), addresses the needs of a large segment of the Indian population that does not use mobile data. The new regulations extend the validity of special recharge coupons from the current 90-day cap to a maximum of 365 days.
The Need for Voice and SMS-Only Plans
TRAI’s decision stems from extensive consultations highlighting the demand for non-data-specific plans.
According to TRAI, around 150 million subscribers in India still rely on feature phones, primarily using their devices for calls and text messaging. This demographic includes senior citizens, rural residents, and dual-SIM users who often dedicate one SIM strictly to voice and SMS services.
By mandating that telecom providers offer at least one Special Tariff Voucher (STV) exclusively for voice and SMS with a validity of up to 365 days, TRAI seeks to empower these consumers with the flexibility to pay only for services they use.
In its explanatory note, TRAI stated, “Mandating Voice and SMS-only STV will provide an option to subscribers who do not require data, and this in any way will not reverse the government initiative of data inclusion.”
Flexibility in Recharge Options
In addition to voice and SMS-only plans, TRAI has introduced flexibility in recharge denominations. Telecom operators can now issue vouchers of any value, provided they retain a minimum top-up option of ₹10.
This move eliminates the previous restriction to denominations in multiples of 10, making it more convenient for consumers to choose plans that suit their budgets.
Telecom Operators' Resistance
Private telecom operators, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, have voiced concerns about the new regulations. These companies have been pushing for the migration of users from 2G to 4G or 5G networks to boost their Average Revenue Per User (ARPU).
Reliance Jio, for instance, has labelled 2G technology as a barrier to India’s digital growth and has actively advocated for its phase-out. Similarly, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have invested heavily in expanding their 4G infrastructure to drive revenue through bundled data and voice plans.
Industry representatives argue that separating voice and SMS plans could hinder data inclusion efforts, reverse the momentum of smartphone adoption, and potentially reduce ARPU. During consultations, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) pointed out that over 91% of customers find existing bundled plans affordable and effective.
Consumer Advocacy and Benefits
Despite resistance from telecom operators, consumer groups have lauded TRAI’s decision. For elderly individuals, rural populations, and families with broadband connections, choosing voice and SMS-only plans eliminates unnecessary expenditure on data services.
Additionally, secondary SIM users, who primarily use their numbers for OTPs and verifications, will benefit from cost-effective recharge options.
International practices also support TRAI’s move. Countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the United States offer voice-only and SMS-only plans tailored to specific user needs. For instance, Banglalink and Grameenphone in Bangladesh, and Telenor in Pakistan, provide such flexible options to cater to diverse consumer segments.
Balancing Consumer Needs and Market Growth
TRAI’s initiative reflects a balanced approach to consumer empowerment and market growth. While telecom companies retain the liberty to offer bundled and data-only vouchers, the mandate ensures inclusivity for consumers who do not rely on data.
This decision aligns with TRAI’s overarching goal of enhancing user choice and satisfaction in India’s telecom sector.
Conclusion
The introduction of voice and SMS-only recharge plans marks a pivotal moment for India’s telecom industry. By addressing the needs of 150 million feature phone users and other underserved demographics, TRAI has reinforced its commitment to consumer rights and affordability.
While telecom operators face challenges in adapting to this regulatory shift, the long-term benefits for millions of Indian users are undeniable. As the telecom landscape evolves, this move is poised to bridge the gap between technology adoption and consumer accessibility, fostering a more inclusive digital ecosystem.