TRAI New Recharge Rules: 30 Day Plans for Voice and SMS Users

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new rules to provide more recharge options for mobile users who do not require mobile data.

Under the Telecom Consumer Protection (13th Amendment) Regulations, 2026, telecom service providers are required to offer voice and SMS only prepaid plans with shorter validity options, including plans with a validity of up to 30 days.

These plans are designed for customers who mainly use their mobile connection for calls and SMS and do not need internet data. TRAI defines voice-and-SMS-only packs as prepaid plans that provide calling and messaging without bundled data.

The move comes amid concerns that customers who do not use data may have to pay for bundled services they do not need. The new framework is intended to give such users more choice when selecting prepaid plans.

However, the new rules do not mean that every existing 28-day recharge will automatically become a 30-day plan. Telecom operators are required to provide the specified types of plans, while the price and benefits of individual recharge options can vary between service providers.

TRAI has also stated that service providers offer at least one 30-day plan and a plan that can be renewed on the same date every month.