Overview
- TRAI finalised the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026 on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, requiring telcos to add more voice‑and‑SMS‑only Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs).
- The rules force operators to offer STVs that match existing validity bands for voice, SMS and data including options under 30 days, a 30‑day option, and at least one longer‑validity voice/SMS voucher.
- TRAI requires an appropriate tariff reduction for voice/SMS‑only STVs and a standard monthly renewal date that falls on the same calendar date or the last day of the month when that date does not exist.
- The regulator said the move responds to a drop in short‑duration voice/SMS‑only recharges after the Twelfth Amendment, 2024 and was finalised after a consultation that drew 1,132 responses and an open house discussion.
- Markets moved on the announcement with Vodafone Idea shares rising about 3.46% and Bharti Airtel slipping about 0.69%, and telecoms will now need to redesign pricing and distribution to comply, which will determine how much consumers benefit.