TRAI New Rules: Voice-SMS Only Plans Mandatory | What It Means For 20 Crore Non-Data Users

TRAI has issued new rules mandating telecom companies to offer Voice and SMS-only Special Tariff Vouchers, or STVs, for customers who do not need mobile data. The plans will be mandatory for 30-day and shorter validity periods, while operators must also provide an option to renew the voucher on the same date every month. The move is aimed at giving more flexibility to non-data users and could benefit more than 20 crore customers. Telecom operators had strongly opposed the proposal earlier, raising concerns over the impact on existing tariff structures. The new rules could reshape how telecom companies package voice and SMS services.