TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) is bringing back a 20-year-old idea by re-introducing prepaid mobile plans that only offer voice calls or SMS service. The regulator believes that this new option will give users more flexibility to pay only for the services they actually use. TRAI is of the view that this new option will be helpful for elder people and those in rural areas who may only need basic phone services.
“The (TRAI) is of the view that a separate Special Tariff Voucher (STV) for Voice and SMS in addition to existing Data only STV and bundled offers shall be mandated. It is also observed that mandating Voice and SMS-only STV will and bundled offers shall be mandated,” read the Notification.
TRAI made these changes by updating the definitions of Special Tariff Voucher (STV) and Combo Voucher (CV) in its 1999 Telecom Tariff Order.
TRAI New Guidelines: What’s Changing?
As of now, phone companies offers data along with voice and SMS plans, even for users who only need calls and texts on one SIM. This forces them to buy costly plans even if they don’t need one.
To resolve this problem, TRAI is introducing new guidelines/rules to make voice and SMS plans more affordable to the common people.
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Suffering For Telecom Services
The new rules by the telecom regulator may adversely impact the telecom operators. The move may come as a setback for Airtel, Jio, VI, and other telecom players. In July, TRAI shared a report showcasing concerns about bundled plans limiting consumer choice. Furthermore, this sparked a debate on how to address the issue and provide more options for users.
The new rules are likely to benefit consumers by providing them the more customized and flexible options that suit their needs.
