TRAI Directs Telecom Operators to Offer Shorter Validity Recharge Plans

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has directed telecom operators to introduce shorter-validity Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) for voice and SMS services.

Under the Telecom Consumer Protection (13th Amendment) Regulation, 2026, TRAI said there is limited availability of voice- and SMS-only STVs, with many existing options focused on longer validity periods. This has reduced affordable short-term choices, particularly for low-income consumers.

To address this, telecom operators have been asked to offer STVs exclusively for voice and SMS services with an appropriate reduction in tariff. These plans must have a validity of up to 30 days and should be renewable on a monthly basis.

According to TRAI, the revised tariff framework is intended to give consumers greater flexibility to choose recharge plans based on their requirements and financial capacity.

The move will also provide additional options for users who do not need data services and prefer voice- and SMS-only recharge plans.