New Delhi, April 8, 2026: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced a fresh proposal that could reshape how basic telecom services are offered to millions of users across the country.

On April 7, TRAI released the Draft Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation, 2026, asking all telecom operators to provide dedicated Voice and SMS-only tariff vouchers corresponding to every validity period of their existing bundled plans that include voice, SMS, and data.

The core idea is simple yet powerful: if an operator sells a 28-day, 56-day, or any other validity bundled recharge, it must also offer a matching voice-and-SMS-only voucher at a proportionally lower price that excludes the cost of data. This ensures users who do not need or use mobile internet are not forced to pay for it.

This proposal follows TRAI’s earlier 2024 regulation that had made it mandatory for operators to offer at least one voice and SMS-only Special Tariff Voucher (STV). However, the regulator found that such options remain very limited in the market. Many consumers, especially senior citizens, rural residents, and feature phone users, have repeatedly raised concerns that they are left with little choice except to buy data-heavy bundles they rarely utilise.

According to the draft document, TRAI received several representations from consumers and stakeholders requesting shorter-duration voice and SMS-only recharge packs that better suit their needs. These users primarily depend on voice calls to stay connected with family and occasional SMS for important communication, without any requirement for internet data.

If the new rules come into effect, they are expected to benefit a large section of society, including:

  • Senior citizens who use mobile phones mainly for calling their children and grandchildren.
  • People living in rural and remote areas where high-speed data is either unavailable or unaffordable.
  • Users of basic feature phones that do not support heavy data usage.
  • Budget-conscious individuals looking for simple, low-cost recharge options without unwanted data packs.

The regulator believes that mandating corresponding voice and SMS-only vouchers for every bundled plan validity period will bring more transparency and fairness in telecom pricing. It will also prevent operators from indirectly pushing customers towards higher-value bundled plans even when data services are not required.

In recent years, India’s telecom market has seen a massive shift towards data-centric offerings from leading players. While this has helped millions access affordable internet, it has also created a gap for those who still rely heavily on traditional voice and messaging services. TRAI’s latest proposal seeks to bridge this gap and ensure every consumer segment gets plans tailored to their actual usage.

The draft regulation is now open for public consultation. TRAI has published the document on its official website and invited written comments from all stakeholders, including telecom companies, consumer groups, and individual citizens. The last date for submitting feedback is April 28, 2026. Comments can be sent electronically to Shri Vijay Kumar, Advisor (Financial & Economic Analysis), TRAI.

The authority has assured that all received inputs will be carefully examined before the final regulation is notified. This consultation process reflects TRAI’s commitment to inclusive decision-making and its ongoing efforts to protect consumer interests in a competitive telecom environment.

If implemented, the proposed changes could mark an important step towards making telecom services more consumer-friendly and need-based. Millions of users who prefer simple voice and SMS services may finally get access to affordable, customised recharge options without paying for features they do not use.

As the consultation period begins, industry experts and consumer advocates will be watching closely to see how the final rules take shape. For now, TRAI’s draft stands as a positive signal that the regulator continues to listen to the voices of ordinary telecom users across India.