Major change in mobile recharge: Affordable plans now available even without data..

There is welcome news for mobile users who do not require internet data and wish to opt only for calling or SMS plans. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has amended consumer protection regulations. Under these new provisions, telecom companies will be required to offer recharge options that do not necessarily include data. This means companies will provide calling and SMS-only plans with varying validity periods.

**Calling and SMS-only Plans**
Until now, most mobile users were compelled to purchase packs that included data alongside calling services, even if they had no need for the internet. However, following the new regulations, companies will be required to make voice and SMS-based plans available. This will particularly benefit customers who use their smartphones primarily for phone calls and messaging.

TRAI amended the consumer protection regulations on September 21. However, it may take some time for the rules to come into effect. Companies will be required to implement changes in accordance with the new provisions approximately 30 days after the notification is published in the official gazette.

**How ​​Affordable Will the Plans Be?**
The prices for the new voice-SMS plans have not yet been finalized. According to examples cited in reports, if a company's current data-inclusive recharge plan costs around ₹350, a calling and SMS-only option (without data) could potentially be available for around ₹150 to ₹200.

This implies that, in some instances, customers could save between ₹149 and ₹199. However, the actual price and validity will depend on the specific plans offered by different companies.

**Rising Recharge Costs**
A survey by LocalCircles revealed that 71% of people have experienced a 50% to 200% increase in their mobile recharge expenses over the past three years. Specifically, 47% of respondents reported an increase of 50–150%, while 24% reported a rise of 150–200%. The survey also raised questions regarding the notifications issued by companies prior to hiking tariffs. 45% of respondents stated that companies often failed to provide advance notice, while 22% claimed they never received any notification at all.

**Possibility of Extended Validity**
Furthermore, under the new changes, companies will be required to offer consumers clear options regarding recharge validity. According to reports, alongside 28-day plans, companies will also have to provide an option with 30-day validity. This will enable customers to select plans that best suit their needs and budgets.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we modified it for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.