Mobile users who do not need large amounts of internet data may soon get more flexible recharge options. Telecom regulator TRAI has finalised a new consumer-protection amendment that requires telecom operators to offer certain voice-and-SMS-only tariff options at reduced tariffs.
What has TRAI changed?
Under the new Telecom Consumer Protection amendment, operators will have to provide Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) specifically for voice and SMS without bundled data.
These options will include:
- A voice-and-SMS-only voucher with a validity of 30 days or less.
- A voucher that can renew on the same date every month.
- At least one longer-validity voice-and-SMS-only option corresponding to the validity of the operator's bundled voice, SMS and data plans.
Who can benefit?
The change could be particularly useful for people who use their phones mainly for calls and text messages and have little need for mobile data.
For example, senior citizens, users who primarily use Wi-Fi at home, or people who have a separate internet connection may not want to pay for a large data bundle every month.
Instead, they could choose a plan focused only on the services they actually use.
Why is this important?
Many mobile recharge plans combine voice calls, SMS and data into a single package. While this is convenient for most smartphone users, it can be unnecessary for customers who consume very little mobile data.
TRAI said the new framework is intended to give consumers more choice and allow low-income users to select recharges according to their requirements and financial capacity.
What should mobile users do?
Once operators introduce the applicable plans, don't automatically renew your existing recharge.
First compare:
- Your monthly calling requirement
- How much mobile data you actually use
- SMS requirements
- Validity of the available plans
- Total cost over a year
If you barely use mobile data, a voice-and-SMS-only plan could potentially help reduce your monthly telecom spending.
The important point is that the regulation is about giving consumers an additional choice; it does not mean that existing data-inclusive plans will disappear.
