The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the draft Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation, 2026. This landmark proposal aims to safeguard consumer digital rights by mandating affordable, standalone voice and SMS-only recharge packs.
TRAI Calls out Telcos for Inflating Voice-Only Plan Prices
As per the CPR Act of 2026, all the major telecom operators will be required to offer voice and SMS-only packs alongside special tariff vouchers (STVs), which include data. This means that in the near future, consumers will be able to only opt for voice and SMS benefits without needing to mandatorily opt for data benefits.
Current regulations (the 12th Amendment of 2024) already requires telecom operators like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, BSNL and Vi to offer at least one voice-only voucher. However, TRAI found that operators have been inflating the price of voice-only plans to make data-bundled packs look more attractive.
For example, if a standard data-inclusive pack costs Rs 399, some operators price the voice-only equivalent at Rs 599, essentially charging consumers more for fewer services.
Key Changes Under the Thirteenth Amendment
Now, with the Thirteenth Amendment, TRAI is eliminating this exploitative pricing strategy and is ensuring every consumer is able to enjoy access to digital services without any roadblocks. The new draft introduces these major requirements:
- Mandatory Parity: For every unique validity period offered with a data-bundled pack (e.g., 28, 56 or 84 days), telcos must offer a corresponding Voice and SMS-only STV.
- Proportional Pricing: These voice-only plans must be priced with a large proportional reduction in tariff, reflecting the removal of data benefits.
- Accessibility: These plans must be prominently displayed across all digital platforms, retail outlets and customer care centres to ensure transparent choices.
This will bring major relief to the marginalised community since the majority of them are unable to afford smartphones and hence, do not require data benefits. This move is particularly timely given India's new cybersecurity mandates.
Since the government now requires WhatsApp to verify your physical SIM card to comply with SIM-binding rules, many users are forced to keep their SIMs active just to use the platform. Affordable voice-only plans ensure that these users aren't hit with high data costs just to maintain their digital identity and stay connected.
That said, TRAI is conducting a public consultation process via its website and the new proposed changes will be made by April 28, 2026.
