India’s telecom sector may soon witness a significant shift in how mobile plans are structured. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a draft proposal under the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation, 2026, aiming to introduce more flexible and fairly priced voice and SMS-only plans.

This move is particularly important for users who do not require mobile data and prefer basic connectivity options at lower costs.

Introduction

Over the past few years, telecom plans in India have increasingly focused on bundled offerings that combine voice, SMS, and data. While these packages benefit heavy data users, they often overlook a significant segment of consumers who primarily rely on calling and messaging services.

TRAI’s latest proposal seeks to address this imbalance by ensuring that users have access to affordable, standalone voice and SMS plans with pricing that reflects actual usage.

Key Highlights

TRAI proposes proportional pricing for voice and SMS-only plans

Telecom operators must offer STVs matching all plan validity periods

Pricing must reflect a reduction compared to bundled plans

Aims to improve affordability for non-data users

Public consultation open until April 28, 2026

Background: Why This Proposal Matters

Rising Demand for Non-Data Plans

The proposal builds on earlier regulations introduced in 2024, where TRAI mandated telecom companies to provide at least one voice and SMS-only Special Tariff Voucher (STV).

However, the regulator observed that operators offered very limited options under this category. Many consumers, especially senior citizens and users in rural areas, expressed the need for:

Shorter validity plans

More pricing flexibility

Options without bundled data

Limitations of Existing Plans

Despite the earlier mandate, most telecom providers continued to prioritize bundled plans. As a result, users were often forced to pay for data services they did not use.

This gap between consumer demand and available offerings prompted TRAI to introduce stricter guidelines.

Proposed Changes: Matching Validity and Proportional Pricing

Mandatory Availability Across Validity Periods

Under the new draft regulation, telecom operators will be required to:

Offer a voice and SMS-only plan for every validity period

Match the duration of existing bundled plans (e.g., 28 days, 56 days, 84 days)

This ensures that consumers have equivalent choices regardless of whether they opt for data services or not.

Fair and Proportional Pricing

One of the most significant aspects of the proposal is the introduction of “proportional pricing.”

This means:

Voice and SMS-only plans must be priced lower than bundled plans

Pricing should reflect the exclusion of data services

Consumers will pay only for what they actually use

This approach promotes transparency and fairness in telecom pricing.

Impact on Telecom Users

Greater Choice and Flexibility

If implemented, the regulation will provide users with a wider range of plan options tailored to their needs. This is particularly beneficial for:

Senior citizens

Basic phone users

Secondary SIM users

Rural consumers with limited data usage

Cost Savings

By removing the cost of unused data, users can expect:

Lower monthly expenses

Better value for money

More control over their telecom spending

Impact on Telecom Operators

Operational Adjustments

Telecom companies will need to:

Expand their portfolio of voice and SMS-only plans

Align pricing strategies with regulatory requirements

Ensure transparency in plan offerings

Competitive Landscape

The move could also intensify competition among operators, encouraging them to:

Innovate with pricing models

Target niche user segments

Improve customer retention

Public Consultation and Next Steps

TRAI has opened the draft regulation for public consultation, inviting feedback from stakeholders, including telecom companies, consumer groups, and individual users.

Deadline for submissions: April 28, 2026

Feedback can be submitted through TRAI’s official website

This consultation process will play a crucial role in shaping the final regulation.

Benefits of the Proposed Regulation

Consumer-Centric Approach

The proposal reflects a strong focus on consumer needs, ensuring that telecom services are accessible and affordable for all user segments.

Transparent Pricing

Proportional pricing eliminates hidden costs and ensures users are not charged for services they do not use.

Inclusive Telecom Ecosystem

By catering to non-data users, TRAI is promoting inclusivity in India’s digital landscape.

Challenges and Considerations

While the proposal is widely seen as beneficial, there are a few challenges to consider:

Telecom operators may face revenue pressure

Implementation complexity across multiple plan categories

Need for clear communication to avoid consumer confusion

However, these challenges can be addressed through effective planning and collaboration between regulators and service providers.

Conclusion

TRAI’s proposal for proportional pricing of voice and SMS-only packs marks a significant step toward a more balanced and consumer-friendly telecom ecosystem in India.

By ensuring fair pricing and wider availability of non-data plans, the regulation has the potential to benefit millions of users who have long been underserved by existing offerings.

If implemented effectively, this move could redefine how telecom services are priced and delivered, making them more inclusive, transparent, and aligned with real user needs.