TRAI New Rules: Affordable calling and SMS plans without data coming soon; here’s what changes from October 21
Under new TRAI regulations, telecom companies must launch affordable calling and SMS recharge plans that do not include mobile data, effective October 21. Find out how this will benefit ordinary mobile users.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced a decision that brings significant relief to millions of mobile subscribers across the country. If you use your phone primarily for calls or text messages but currently have to pay for unwanted mobile data, the economics of telecom recharges are set to change completely starting October 21. According to TRAI’s new directives, major telecom operators like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea (Vi) will now be required to offer affordable, low-cost plans that do not include data. This move will particularly benefit users who were previously compelled to purchase expensive plans bundled with data.
‘No-data’ options to be available for plans with 30-day or shorter validity
Under the rules notified by the regulator, telecom companies must provide a ‘Voice & SMS-only’ option for every recharge plan with a validity of 30 days or less that they typically sell with data. Furthermore, a rule has been established ensuring these recharges renew on the same fixed date every month. If a specific date does not occur in a given month (such as the 31st), the recharge will be deemed to renew on the last day of that month. Additionally, mirroring the practice for long-validity data-bundled plans, companies will be mandated to include at least one long-validity ‘Voice & SMS’ plan in their portfolio.
Why did TRAI have to take this decisive step? In December 2024, TRAI had directed companies to introduce at least one plan offering only calling and messaging services with a validity of up to 365 days. However, telecom companies complied with this rule half-heartedly. They launched only one or two expensive plans—valid for 80–84 days or 336–365 days—while keeping affordable, short-validity plans off the market. Furthermore, despite excluding data benefits, there were no significant reductions in the base prices. Following a rise in customer complaints, TRAI introduced a draft amendment in April of this year and finalized it after an extensive consultation process.
Companies’ Arguments and Data Consumption Metrics
According to data from the regulator, the companies’ Average Revenue per GB has steadily declined. While it stood at ₹9.11 per GB in March 2025, it dropped to ₹7.51 by March 2026. However, during the same period, the companies’ Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) rose from ₹183 to ₹196.04. During the consultation process, telecom companies argued that mandating fixed price cuts would interfere with their tariff-setting autonomy; some also contended that low-cost, short-validity plans could lead to an increase in spam calls and telemarketing. Nevertheless, prioritizing consumer interests, TRAI has directed companies to introduce new plans featuring “reasonable price reductions.”
Major Relief for the Elderly, Rural Customers, and Secondary SIM Users
This decision by TRAI will prove to be a boon, particularly for customers who use feature phones or for senior citizens who do not require internet access. Furthermore, users who rely on a secondary SIM solely for receiving incoming calls or bank OTPs will no longer have to pay hefty amounts for unwanted data packs every month. This decision, effective from October 21, is expected to significantly ease the financial burden on millions of mobile users across the country.
FAQs: Questions and Answers regarding TRAI’s new rules
Will existing plans with data bundles be discontinued after the new rules come into effect?
No, all existing plans offering a combination of calling, SMS, and data bundles for smartphone users will continue unchanged. Under the new rules, options without data will be introduced.
When will this new TRAI recharge rule come into effect?
This new rule will be implemented nationwide starting October 21, 2026, after which Jio, Airtel, and Vi will be required to include these new plans in their portfolios.
Will companies be required to cut the prices of data-free plans by half?
TRAI has not mandated a fixed formula or a specific percentage reduction; however, it has directed companies to provide relief to customers by implementing “fair and reasonable” price reductions proportionate to the removal of data.
