New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has taken a significant decision for telecom users. TRAI has finalized the Telecom Consumers Protection (13th Amendment) Regulations, 2026. This amendment was issued on September 21, 2026. Under the new rules, telecom companies like Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL will be required to offer Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) that allow customers to opt for specific services—such as voice calling and SMS—based on their individual needs.
This is expected to directly benefit mobile users who do not require mobile data and primarily recharge their phones for calling and SMS services. Such customers will now be spared the burden of paying extra for data they do not need.
Mandatory options with 30-day or shorter validity
According to TRAI’s new regulations, telecom companies must offer multiple short-term Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) for voice, SMS, and data services with a validity of 30 days or less.
TRAI noted that while companies had introduced voice-only plans following the 12th amendment in 2024, many of these plans came with long validity periods. The regulator observed that this made it difficult for low-income customers and those with limited usage requirements to select suitable plans. The new amendment aims to address this issue.
Plan renewal on a fixed date every month
The new rules also include provisions for monthly renewal. Every telecom operator must offer at least one STV that a customer can renew on the same date each month.
If the chosen date does not exist in a particular month—such as the 31st—the renewal will take place on the last day of that month. For instance, a plan set for renewal on the 31st would be renewed on the 28th or 29th in February, or on the 30th in months with 30 days.
Additionally, companies are required to offer at least one STV with a validity period longer than that of the monthly renewal option. The validity of other STVs must be set at 30 days or less.
TRAI issues final regulations after an extensive process
This decision by TRAI follows a consultation process. To address issues related to voice-only plans, TRAI had released a draft of the 13th amendment on April 7, 2026.
Suggestions and feedback on the draft were invited from telecom industry stakeholders and the general public. Subsequently, an open house discussion was held on June 15, 2026. Based on the feedback and discussions, TRAI finalized the amendment and issued it on September 21, 2026.
Which users will benefit?
These new rules are likely to benefit customers who do not require mobile internet extensively and primarily use their phones for calling and SMS. The availability of short-validity options will give such customers a wider range of choices to select recharge plans that suit their specific needs.
However, the specific plans and price points offered by companies following the implementation of these new rules will depend on the tariff structures of individual operators.
