The mobile recharge game has changed! If you only need calls and SMS, you won't have to pay for data..

It will soon be easier to decide exactly which services you need before recharging your mobile. If you primarily use your phone for calls and SMS and do not require mobile data, you may soon find a separate, more affordable recharge option tailored to these needs. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued the Telecom Consumer Protection (13th Amendment) Regulations, 2026.

Under the new regulations, telecom companies are required to offer Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) exclusively for voice and SMS services. These plans must be priced reasonably lower than packs that include data. This move by TRAI is particularly significant for customers who only require calling and SMS capabilities. The new rules also mandate provisions for options catering to customers who prefer short-term or monthly recharges.

**Separate recharge options for calls and SMS only**

According to TRAI's new regulations, telecom companies must provide separate Special Tariff Vouchers for voice and SMS services. This means customers who do not need mobile data will not be forced to purchase expensive packs that include data. It is also mandatory to ensure these voice-and-SMS-only plans are reasonably priced.

**Specific rules for plans with a validity of 30 days or less**

Companies must provide voice-and-SMS-only options for STVs (covering voice, SMS, and data) that have a validity of 30 days or less. The objective is to offer affordable, short-term recharge options to customers who do not wish to purchase plans with longer validity periods.

**Renewal on the same date every month**

TRAI has also established guidelines for customers opting for monthly recharges. Companies must offer an option where the plan renews on the same date each month. If a specific month does not contain that date, the renewal will take place on the last day of that month. **Options for STVs with validity exceeding 30 days**
It is not just short-term plans; at least one 'Voice-SMS-only' option must also be provided for Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) with a validity of more than 30 days. This will enable customers seeking long-validity recharges to access options that do not include data.

**TRAI explains the need for the change**
According to TRAI, the existing market offered a limited number of 'Voice-SMS-only' plans, most of which came with long validity periods. Consequently, low-income customers had limited choices for affordable, short-term recharges. The new regulations will allow customers to select plans based on their specific needs and budgets.

**Draft released in April**
Prior to this change, TRAI had released a draft of the proposed regulations in April 2026 and invited suggestions from stakeholders, including telecom companies. During this process, TRAI received a total of 1,132 suggestions and responses. Subsequently, an 'Open House Discussion' on the matter was held on June 15, 2026. The new regulations have now been issued following these deliberations.

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