TRAI Directs Telecom Companies to Offer Affordable Voice and SMS Only Plans
New tariff options aimed at users who do not need mobile data and rely mainly on calls and SMS
New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has directed telecom operators to introduce affordable recharge plans that offer only voice calling and SMS services without bundled internet data.
The move is aimed at providing greater choice to customers who do not use mobile internet but have been subscribing to plans that include data services. Under the new direction, telecom companies will be required to offer Special Tariff Vouchers with a validity of 30 days or less, with tariffs appropriately lower than comparable bundled plans.
The decision is expected to benefit users who rely on basic feature phones, including many elderly people, rural residents, small business owners and workers who mainly require mobile services for calls and text messages.
In recent years, telecom operators have increasingly focused on bundled plans that combine voice, SMS and data services. The availability of affordable voice only options has become more limited, prompting concerns among consumers who have little or no requirement for mobile data.
TRAI’s intervention is intended to give customers greater flexibility to choose services according to their individual requirements rather than having to pay for services they do not use.
The introduction of lower priced voice and SMS only plans could also have an impact on telecom operators’ average revenue per user, particularly if some customers shift from bundled plans to the new options.
Telecom companies will be required to submit details of the proposed plans to the regulator and make the eligible tariff options available to consumers in accordance with the new directions.