Telecom regulator TRAI on Monday revised tariff rules, making it mandatory for mobile service providers to offer separate plans for voice calls and SMS for non-data customers.
Additionally, the regulator has removed the 90-day limit on special recharge coupons and extended it to a maximum of 365 days.
“…the service provider shall provide at least one special rate coupon for voice and SMS only with a validity period not exceeding 365 days,” the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India states in the Telecom Consumer Protection (12th Amendment) Article). ) Regulations, 2024. This move will help consumers pay for services they normally use.
During the consultation process, TRAI received a range of inputs from senior citizens who do not require data bundle charging plans for mobile phones and families who have broadband at home.
TRAI in its explanatory note said it believes that separate special rate vouchers for voice and SMS should be mandatory alongside the existing data-only STV and bundled offers.
“It has also been observed that mandating voice and SMS-only STV will provide an option to subscribers who do not require data, and as service providers are free to offer bundled offers and services, this The government’s commitment to data inclusion will never be reversed by “data-only vouchers,” the memo said.
The regulator has also allowed telecom operators to offer recharge coupons of any amount, provided they provide recharge coupons worth at least Rs 10. Under the previous rules, telecom operators were restricted from issuing top-up coupons in denominations of Rs 10. or multiples thereof.
“The Bureau believes that reserving the 210 denomination and its multiples only for top-up vouchers will be eliminated, allowing TSPs to offer all vouchers in the denomination of their choice while retaining authority for at least one voucher. 10 rupees top-up voucher,” the note said.
