EXPLAINER | Why Trai does not want data in every tariff pack

The telecom regulator on Monday mandated mobile phone service providers to also offer recharge plans for voice and SMS services. Jatin Grover takes a look at the reasons behind the order & why operators want to bundle data in every pack

What has Trai mandated?

On Monday, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) notified the Telecom Consumers Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations, 2024. Through the directions, the Trai mandated a separate special tariff voucher (STV) for voice and short messaging services (SMS) without bundling data in them. It said this would give consumers an option to pay only for the services they require.