The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced new rules to make telecom services more affordable and consumer-friendly. The Telecom Consumer Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations, 2024, released on Monday, contain several important changes to benefit users, especially those who rely heavily on basic calling and SMS or for specific purposes like calls and SMS. Use secondary SIM card.

One of the biggest changes is that telecom operators will now have to offer tariff plans that focus only on SMS and voice calls. This is a huge relief for millions of users, especially for the estimated 150 million (15 crore) people in India who still use basic mobile services. Many of these users do not need data services, but are forced to purchase expensive plans that bundle data with calls and SMS. These new SMS-and-call-only plans will allow such users to pay only for the services they actually use. The change is also expected to benefit users who keep a secondary SIM card specifically for making calls or sending messages. Until now, these users had no choice but to pay for data benefits they did not want. TRAI’s new rules aim to correct this imbalance and make telecom plans more in line with user needs.

However, this move may impact telecom companies like Airtel and Vi. Reliance Jio, which operates only 4G and 5G networks, is unlikely to be directly affected by this regulation. Telecom companies are focusing on increasing the average revenue per user (ARPU) by offering bundled plans, which include benefits like data, calling, SMS and even subscription to OTT platforms. This new mandate may force them to rethink their strategies.

The rules also bring another consumer-friendly change – extension of validity of Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs). These vouchers, which are generally more affordable than standard plans, will now have a validity of up to 365 days, compared to the previous limit of 90 days. This means users can enjoy the benefits of these special plans for a longer period without recharging frequently. Additionally, TRAI has directed telecom operators to ensure that top-up vouchers are available in different denominations, starting from Rs 10. The move aims to make small value recharges more accessible and convenient for consumers, especially those who have limited access. Budget.

TRAI’s decisions are based on extensive consumer surveys and stakeholder feedback. The Telecom Authority has stressed that these changes are designed to ensure that users get the best value for their money and are not forced to pay for services they do not use .