Separate plans for internet data and voice calls to become mandatory

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) releases new draft on mobile recharge plans

New Delhi: Mobile users who use their phones only for voice calls and SMS services may soon receive major relief. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is preparing to introduce mobile recharge plans that will not include internet data. With data-free recharge plans, the cost of such plans could be 50 to 70 per cent lower than that of the current recharge plans. For this purpose, TRAI has released the draft Telecommunication Consumer Protection Regulations, 2026. Before finalising the new regulations, TRAI has invited suggestions from telecom service providers and the public.

At present, telecom service providers offer call and SMS recharge plans only with specified validity periods. As a result, even customers who do not require internet services are compelled to purchase more expensive plans that include data. Many senior citizens, users of basic mobile phones, and customers who maintain a second SIM card do not use mobile data. Despite this, they are required to purchase recharge plans whose prices also include the cost of internet data.