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Mobile Recharge Game Changed! TRAI Brings New Rules, No Data Payment for Calls-SMS Only
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News18•22-09-2026, 13:51
Mobile Recharge Game Changed! TRAI Brings New Rules, No Data Payment for Calls-SMS Only
- •TRAI issues 'Telecom Consumer Protection (13th Amendment) Regulations, 2026'.
- •Customers will soon get separate, cheaper recharge options for calls and SMS only, without mandatory data packs.
- •Telecom companies must offer Voice and SMS-only Special Tariff Vouchers (STV) at reasonably lower prices.
- •New rules apply to plans with 30 days or less validity, and also to STVs with more than 30 days validity.
- •Monthly recharge plans will renew on the same date each month, enhancing customer convenience.
Key Questions Answered
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India issued the Telecom Consumer Protection (13th Amendment) Regulations, 2026, requiring telecom companies to offer separate voice and SMS-only Special Tariff Vouchers at reasonably lower prices compared to data packs.
Under the new arrangements for monthly recharges, companies must provide an option where the plan renews on the exact same date every month, falling back to the last day of the month if that date is missing in the calendar.
TRAI issued a draft of the proposed rules in April 2026, gathered 1,132 suggestions from stakeholders, and held an Open House Discussion on June 15, 2026, before officially releasing the regulations.
