India’s telecom sector could soon see a significant shift as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has proposed new guidelines requiring service providers to offer voice-and-SMS-only prepaid plans alongside their existing data bundles.
The draft, released on April 7, mandates telecom companies such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea to introduce these plans across all validity periods currently available for data packs. Importantly, the pricing of such voice-only plans is expected to reflect a proportional discount compared to bundled offerings that include data services.
The move comes in response to growing concerns from nearly 150 million users in India, particularly feature phone users and those who prefer basic services, who feel compelled to pay for data they do not use. By introducing these plans, TRAI aims to make telecom services more affordable and inclusive for this segment of consumers.
This proposal builds upon earlier regulations introduced in 2024, which required telecom providers to offer voice-only options for long-validity plans. The latest draft expands this requirement to cover all plan durations, ensuring wider accessibility and flexibility for prepaid users.
If the proposal is approved, telecom operators will be required to implement the changes within 30 days of official notification. TRAI has invited comments and feedback from stakeholders, with the deadline set for April 28, 2026.
The initiative reflects a broader push towards consumer-centric reforms in India’s telecom sector, balancing the rapid growth of data consumption with the needs of users who rely primarily on voice communication. If implemented, the move is expected to provide relief to millions while promoting fair pricing and greater choice in prepaid mobile services.
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