Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
11 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

TRAI Finalises Rules Requiring 30‑Day and Voice‑Only Prepaid Plans

The move forces operators to sell simpler, lower-priced voice, SMS-only vouchers that could cut costs for customers who rely on calls rather than mobile data.

Image
In his intervention, Chadha had questioned the prevalence of 28-day recharge cycles, which require consumers to recharge 13 times over a 12-month period if they maintain uninterrupted service.
30-day recharge plan: Raghav Chadha shares 'good news' for prepaid mobile users in India
Image

Overview

  • The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India finalised the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations on September 22, 2026, setting new rules for prepaid Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs).
  • Under the amendment, operators must offer voice-and-SMS-only STVs for every bundled plan validity of 30 days or less and must provide at least one STV that renews on the same calendar date each month.
  • TRAI requires these voice, SMS-only vouchers to be priced lower than comparable bundled plans so consumers who do not need mobile data pay less for basic services.
  • The regulator did not order all existing 28-day plans to be converted to 30-day plans; actual prices, exact plan features and rollout timing will be set by telecom companies during the implementation period.
  • The change follows a public consultation that drew 1,132 responses and wide attention after Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha raised the 28-day issue in Parliament on March 11, and it is aimed primarily at lowering costs for low-income users and senior citizens.