No more paying for unnecessary services; TRAI to introduce non-data specific plans

New Delhi: In a landmark directive, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has instructed mobile telecom companies to introduce special, non-data-specific recharge plans focused solely on voice calls and SMS. This initiative aims to allow consumers to pay only for the services they need, eliminating the additional cost of unused data.

The move challenges the current trend among leading telecom players, who push bundled plans that combine unlimited data, voice calls, SMS, and even OTT subscriptions to boost their Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). At present, most recharge plans bundle a mix of these services. For instance, a Rs 349 plan might offer 56 GB of internet, unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS daily, and OTT access. However, surveys indicate that many users do not require all these features.

Feature phone users, in particular, often have no choice but to pay for internet they don't need. To address this, TRAI's order mandates that telecom providers offer at least one plan exclusively for voice calls and SMS, valid for up to 365 days. 

To implement this, TRAI has amended the Telecom Consumer Protection Regulations, 2012, and telecom operators are expected to roll out these plans soon. The decision follows a consumer survey that revealed widespread dissatisfaction among users who feel they are paying for services they don’t use.

Benefits of the move
-Customisable options: Consumers who don’t require data services can now opt for plans tailored to their needs, focusing solely on voice calls and SMS.
-Dual-SIM convenience: For dual-SIM users, these plans will allow one SIM to be used exclusively for calls and SMS at a lower cost, without the need for redundant data plans.

Other directions
-Extended validity for vouchers: The tenure of Special Tariff Vouchers and Combo Vouchers can now be extended from 90 days to a maximum of 365 days. This allows consumers to avoid frequent recharges.
-Flexible top-ups: The requirement to top up in multiples of Rs 10 has been removed, enabling consumers to recharge with any amount.