Telecom regulator TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has introduced a draft of the Telecom Consumer Protection Regulations, 2026, aimed at protecting mobile users’ interests. The key idea behind the proposal is simple: “If consumers do not need data, why should they pay for it?”
TRAI has invited feedback from stakeholders before finalising the new regulations.
What is the new proposal?
Currently, telecom companies offer voice call and SMS-only plans for only limited validity periods. As a result, many users are forced to buy more expensive plans that include data, even when they do not require internet services.
Under the proposed rules, telecom operators offering data plans with validity periods such as 7, 28, 56 or 84 days will also have to introduce voice and SMS-only plans with the same validity.
How much cheaper could recharge plans become?
Data services account for around 50–70% of the cost of many mobile plans. If the new rules come into effect, voice-only plans could become significantly cheaper, potentially costing less than half of current bundled plans.
For example, a plan currently priced at ₹300 could be available for around ₹100–150 without data.
Who will benefit?
The proposal is expected to benefit:
- Feature phone users and senior citizens who do not use mobile data.
- Customers who maintain a second SIM card only for calling purposes.
- Users who prefer basic voice and SMS services over internet connectivity.
Everything you need to know
What is the current situation?
- Voice and SMS-only packs are available only for selected validity periods.
- Customers often have to purchase expensive data-inclusive plans for longer validity.
- Options for users who need only calling services are limited.
What will change?
- Voice and SMS-only plans will be available across multiple validity periods, including 7, 28, 56 and 84 days.
- Removing data from plans could reduce recharge costs by around 50–70%.
- Consumers will have more freedom to choose plans based on their actual needs.
The final pricing will be decided by telecom companies. The draft is available on TRAI’s website, and companies will be given time to implement the rules once they are finalised. The move is also expected to increase competition among telecom operators and provide users with more affordable options.
TRAI’s other major decision
TRAI has clarified that call management apps such as Truecaller will not be allowed to block calls from the 1600 and 140 series.
1600 series: Reserved for banks, financial institutions (such as RBI and SEBI), and government-related services, helping citizens identify important transaction-related calls.
140 series: Used for promotional calls from companies.
Consumers can still block such calls themselves through the Do Not Disturb (DND) service.
