There is good news for mobile users. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has made significant changes in recharge rules, requiring customers to pay only for what they use. Under the new guidelines, telecom operators will now offer special plans focused on voice calls and SMS, so that customers who do not use internet data will not have to pay for it.
Validity of special recharge voucher extended
TRAI has increased the validity of Special Recharge Voucher (STV) from 90 days to 365 days.
- This change will be beneficial for those customers who want cheap and long term plans.
- Operators have also been instructed to provide top-up vouchers starting from Rs 10.
2G users will get benefit
This change has brought relief especially for 2G users.
- There are about 150 million 2G users in India, who use SIM only for voice calls and SMS.
- Now they will not need to buy expensive plans, which include data benefits which are not necessary for them.
Impact of new rules
TRAI has implemented these changes keeping in mind the convenience and needs of the customers.
Benefit to customers:
- Now you have to pay only for the services used.
- Affordable plans with long validity will be available.
- Plans focused exclusively on voice and SMS will provide financial relief to customers.
Impact on operators:
- This will impact operators providing 2G networks like Airtel and Vodafone-Idea (Vi).
- However, Jio, which only offers 4G and 5G services, will not be affected by this change.
- Telecom companies will now focus on customized plans instead of bundled plans with data, calling, SMS and OTT benefits.
Decisions based on customer needs
TRAI has taken this decision on the basis of customer convenience and feedback.
- This step has been taken keeping in mind the suggestions of the survey and stakeholders.
- The new rules have been made especially keeping in mind those customers who only use voice calls and SMS.
