Major decision by TRAI: Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone to launch non-internet plans starting October 21..

If you do not use the internet on your phone but are still forced to purchase expensive data-inclusive recharge plans, there is excellent news for you. TRAI has taken serious note of the difficulties faced by millions of feature phone users, the elderly, and residents of rural areas regarding this issue. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a strict directive to all telecom companies—such as Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi)—requiring them to introduce plans offering only voice calling and SMS facilities starting October 21. These plans will exclude data entirely, ensuring customers do not have to pay for internet services they do not use.

**Key Highlights of the New Rule**
TRAI has prioritized customer convenience in this new regulation. Companies have been instructed to launch voice-and-SMS-only plans that match the validity periods of their existing regular data plans (e.g., 30 days or less). Additionally, it will be mandatory to offer at least one long-validity plan that does not include data. Another significant benefit is that these plans will renew on the same date each month; for instance, if you recharge on the 10th of a month, the plan will expire on the 10th of the following month. If a specific date does not occur in a given month (such as the 31st), the plan will renew on the last day of that month.

**How ​​Much Will Recharge Costs Drop?**
The biggest question is how much money customers will save with these new plans. While TRAI has not prescribed a fixed pricing formula, it has clearly stated that prices must be reduced reasonably when data is excluded. The regulator has suggested that companies determine prices based on their Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) for data. According to the latest data from TRAI, telecom companies earned an average of ₹9.11 per GB of data in March 2025; this figure dropped to ₹7.51 by March 2026. However, the average total bill per customer rose from ₹183 to ₹196.04, as people are now consuming more data than before.

**Why TRAI had to take a firm stand**
This regulation did not emerge overnight; there is a long backstory to it. In December 2024, TRAI directed companies to introduce at least one special voucher with 365-day validity that offered calling services only. The objective was to assist users who did not require data. However, the companies largely disregarded this directive. While they did launch plans, they set the validity at either 80–84 days or directly at 365 days, leaving no room for shorter-term options. Furthermore, prices were not significantly reduced even after excluding data. It was only after facing strong public opposition and numerous complaints that the companies marginally lowered their rates. To curb such arbitrary practices, TRAI issued a draft proposal in April 2026, followed by extensive consultations with all stakeholders on June 15, 2026.

**Concerns of telecom companies**
Divergent views emerged regarding this new rule. Consumer organizations strongly welcomed the move, arguing that forcing data services upon customers was unfair. Conversely, there was opposition from others who argued that in today's digital era—where services like UPI, banking, and telemedicine have become essential—there is little demand for plans that lack internet connectivity. Some telecom companies also expressed concern that low-cost, short-validity calling plans could be exploited by telemarketers to make spam calls. The companies also argued that if TRAI were to pressure them to lower prices, it would amount to an infringement on their operational freedom. After considering these points, TRAI decided not to impose any strict rules regarding price cuts, leaving it to the companies to reduce prices at their own discretion.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from TV9. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.