Trai moves to finalise voice, SMS-only tariff rules

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is moving to finalise rules that will require telecom operators to offer voice-and-SMS-only mobile plans across shorter validity periods, including the widely used 28-day cycle, despite strong opposition from the industry, sources said.

Regulatory Mandate

The proposed regulations will require operators to offer a corresponding voice-and-SMS-only option for every validity period available under bundled plans carrying voice, SMS and data. The regulator is also looking at requiring such plans to be prominently displayed on recharge platforms, rather than being buried among other tariff options.