TRAI Introduces Consumer-Friendly Reforms to Improve Telecom Services in India

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new regulations under the Telecom Consumers Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations, 2024, aimed at making telecom services more consumer-centric. These changes will provide significant benefits to millions of Indian mobile users, particularly those who rely on basic services.

A key reform is the introduction of call-and-SMS-only plans, which will directly benefit around 150 million users. Previously, many consumers were forced into expensive bundled plans that included unnecessary data. With this new mandate, users can now choose plans that focus solely on voice calls and SMS, making services more affordable for those with secondary SIM cards used exclusively for calls and messages.

Telecom operators, especially industry giants like Airtel and Vi, may face challenges with this shift as they have focused on bundled plans to increase Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). However, Reliance Jio, which operates solely on 4G and 5G networks, is less likely to be impacted.

Another important update is the extension of the validity of Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) from 90 days to up to 365 days, allowing users to enjoy affordable benefits for an entire year. Additionally, operators are required to offer low-denomination top-up vouchers starting from Rs 10, making telecom services more accessible for budget-conscious consumers.

These changes follow extensive consumer feedback, aiming to provide better value for money and improve the overall telecom experience for users.