TRAI New Rules: Big news for Jio, Airtel, and Vi users. Telecom companies will no longer be able to hide affordable and essential recharge plans on their websites or mobile apps. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has directed telecom companies to make essential and low-cost recharge plans easily accessible to customers. Under the new rules, users will not need to navigate through multiple pages or undergo lengthy processes to find affordable plans.
Dedicated section required on websites and apps
In a directive issued on October 1, 2026, TRAI instructed telecom companies to provide a dedicated section titled ‘TRAI-Mandated Packs’ on their websites and mobile applications. This section must be prominently displayed so that customers can easily view and select essential recharge plans.
This section will provide information on mandatory recharge vouchers and other essential packs available to customers under current tariff regulations. The objective is to ensure easy access to affordable and essential recharge options.
Essential packs must also be displayed at retail stores
TRAI’s directive is not limited to websites and mobile apps; recharge plans falling under ‘TRAI-Mandated Packs’ must also be clearly displayed at telecom companies’ retail stores. This will benefit customers who prefer recharging their mobile phones at retail stores rather than online.
Customers were facing difficulties
According to TRAI, complaints had been received stating that many customers were unable to easily locate affordable or mandatory recharge plans. In some instances, these plans were listed in a manner that required customers to browse through multiple pages. In other cases, customers had to search using specific price points or other details to find certain plans.
Inspections of telecom companies’ websites and mobile apps also revealed that, in many instances, essential and low-cost packs were not easily visible. In light of this issue, TRAI has directed companies to make information regarding plan availability and details more transparent.
Finding affordable plans will now be easier.
Following the implementation of the new directives, telecom operators—including Jio, Airtel, and Vi—will be required to prominently display essential recharge packs. This will make it easier for mobile users to select low-cost recharge plans that suit their needs and budgets.
