TRAI mandates telecom operators offer basic voice and SMS plans

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued directives requiring telecom service providers to offer standalone voice and SMS plans with shorter validity periods to address the needs of price-sensitive consumer segments. These basic plans will exclude bundled data offerings, allowing subscribers to access essential communication services without paying for unused data components.

The mandate targets India's low-income consumers who require voice calling and text messaging capabilities without the additional cost of data bundles. By introducing plans with 30-day or shorter validity windows, the regulator aims to provide greater flexibility and affordability compared to longer-term packages that typically include data allocations.

TRAI's decision reflects ongoing efforts to ensure inclusive access to telecom services across income groups. The move comes as telecom operators in India have increasingly shifted toward bundled plans that combine voice, SMS, and data services, often pricing them higher than standalone options would cost.

The directive is expected to give consumers greater choice in selecting services aligned with their actual usage patterns and financial capacity. Operators are required to comply with the new requirements and make these plans available across their service networks.