The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has come up with new rules for Pre Paid Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) which will make the voice and SMS-only recharge plans more flexible. Telecom operators are mandated to offer voice and SMS-only phone plans under short validity terms under the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026. The framework is for mobile data users who don’t require mobile data to be used, and wish to see recharge models that fit their specific usage needs.

TRAI Changes Rules for Voice and SMS-Only Plans

While noting that, voice-and-SMS-only STVs were not available to them in sufficient numbers for shorter validity periods, TRAI has now finalised the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026. The choices offered following the 2024 change were mainly grouped together into the extended validity period. The new framework introduces new voice-and-SMS-only STVs for 30-day and less-than-30-day periods as well as bundled voice, SMS and data STVs.

Shorter Validity Recharge Options Required

The revised regulations will require operators to offer a reduction in the tariff for voice and SMS-only STVs for each of the current thirty-day or shorter validity periods of a voice, SMS and data STV. This should apply to customers primarily using their phones for messaging and calling, as they should not be forced to pick a plan which also covers mobile data.

Monthly Recharge Option Will Also Be Available

The new system also mandates that telecom providers offer at least one “STV” that is only available in voice and SMS services and can be renewed on the same day each month. If there is no corresponding date for a specific month, then the renewal will be on the last day of that month. The provision opens a monthly subscription service for all subscribers who wish to subscribe for voice and SMS package without having to bundle any data package.

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Longer Validity Voice and SMS Plan Also Required

TRAI has not restricted the new framework to short duration packs. Along with the above, operators should also offer at least one ‘voice and SMS only’ STV that is valid for longer period as compared to the short-term and monthly-renewable STV. This is a longer validity voucher, which is to be matched to an existing STV issued for voice, SMS and data services. The requirement is meant to allow voice- and-SMS-only plans to have more than one validity period option, instead of having a single validity period.

Will TRAI Set the Price of These Recharge Plans?

TRAI has not fixed any specific rate for voice & SMS plans. Rather, the telecom operators must offer the same services with a suitable discount on tariff in line with the validity of the existing bundled STVs. That will still be dependent upon the specific telecom providers and the plans they apply to it.

Why TRAI Introduced the New Recharge Rules

The changes are aimed at giving consumers more choice, especially those who don’t need mobile data, said TRAI. The regulator has also identified the needs of consumers with low incomes who may require to recharge based on their calling and messaging needs and financial means. The new framework will offer alternatives to plans that include voice and SMS on top of data.

TRAI Received 1,132 Responses During Consultation

The new regulations were finalised after a consultation process. On 7th April 2026, TRAI had uploaded the draft Thirteenth Amendment regulations for consultation and received 1132 comments from stakeholders. There was also an Open House Discussion, on June 15, 2026. TRAI has stated that the final rules have been prepared after taking into account the feedback received from stakeholders and also the analysis undertaken by the TRAI.

What the New TRAI Rules Mean for Consumers

When Will Users See These Recharge Options?

TRAI finalised the amended regulations and the framework will apply to the mentioned STVs being offered by the telecom service providers. Specific planning, costs and availability will vary depending on the implementation by individual operators. In its current updates, TRAI mentions such plans as ‘voice and SMS only’ plans and states that they are prepaid plans with validity of up to 365 days.

Therefore, on this basis, the validity options for voice and SMS only recharge plans will also be more available to consumers, such as the shorter validity plans, monthly-renewable and longer validity plans. The regulator has not set any specific price for these plans, but operators will have to apply an appropriate tariff reduction to the voice and SMS-only plans of the same type. The specific rates and plans will be negotiated by the telecom carriers.

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