The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has proposed new rules requiring telecom companies to introduce low-cost recharge plans that offer only calling and SMS services without bundled data. The proposal aims to provide affordable options for users with limited internet usage.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has invited stakeholder feedback on the proposed rules until April 28, after which the framework will be finalised or revised. The proposal mandates that telecom operators offer validity packs similar to existing bundled plans but limited to voice calls and SMS services.
The proposal follows recent changes in recharge plans by telecom companies, including reduced validity periods in several plans introduced by BSNL and Jio, which have increased overall user expenditure. Instead of direct price hikes, companies have adjusted benefits within plans, affecting consumer costs.
The regulator had previously introduced rules for Special Tariff Vouchers, but available options remained limited and comparatively expensive. The new proposal seeks to strengthen regulatory measures to ensure fair pricing.
Under the proposed framework, telecom companies will be required to provide standalone voice and SMS plans with validity periods comparable to bundled packs. This is intended to expand user choice by offering alternatives that do not include data services.
The introduction of low-cost voice and SMS-only plans is expected to benefit rural consumers and users with low data requirements. The proposal aims to reduce dependence on higher-priced bundled plans and lower the financial burden on consumers.
Industry experts state that the implementation of fair pricing mechanisms could enable users to select plans based on their needs while increasing competition among telecom operators.
