The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has made a major change in the tariff rules for mobile service consumers. Under the new instructions issued on Monday, telecom companies will now have to provide recharge coupons to customers who do not use internet data and use only voice calls and SMS services.
Recharge coupons with validity up to 365 days
TRAI has directed telecom companies under the new rules in the Telecom Consumer Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations, 2024 to:
- Companies should provide Special Tariff Vouchers (STV) with validity up to 365 days.
- These vouchers will be for voice calls and SMS only.
- This decision will benefit those customers who do not use internet data and depend only on basic mobile services.
Minimum recharge coupon of Rs 10 mandatory
TRAI has directed telecom companies to issue recharge coupons of at least Rs 10.
- Earlier, companies were allowed to issue top-up vouchers in Rs 10 and its multiples.
- This new rule is specifically designed keeping in mind those customers who:
- Are senior citizens.
- Whose homes have broadband connection.
- Those who do not require data services on their mobile phones.
Separate STV mandatory for voice and SMS
TRAI said in its clarification note that:
- Currently companies offer data-only STV and bundled plans.
- Now separate STV will be mandatory only for voice and SMS.
- This rule will provide options to customers who do not need data services.
- This is not against the government’s data inclusion initiative, as companies have been given the freedom to offer bundled plans and data-only vouchers.
Benefits of new rules
1. Relief for data-less customers:
- Consumers who use only voice calls and SMS will no longer have to pay unnecessarily more for data services.
2. Benefit to senior citizens and broadband users:
- Those who have a broadband connection at home can now choose affordable plans for just voice and SMS on mobile.
3. Consumer has more choices:
- With the option of separate tariff vouchers for voice and SMS, consumers will be able to choose the plan as per their need.
TRAI’s objective
This move by TRAI is to provide more flexibility and affordable options to customers.
- Ensuring that there are affordable options available for data-only and bundled plans as well as voice and SMS.
- This change is an important step forward in consumer interest and will make the use of telecom services more inclusive and affordable.
