TRAI Mandates Enhanced Voice and SMS Only Recharge Plans

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a new regulation requiring telecom service providers to increase voice and SMS-only recharge options. 

TRAI's Revised Regulation on Recharge Plans 

On September 22, 2026, TRAI released the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation, 2026, as per the press release.  

This amendment mandates that telecom operators provide more Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) exclusively for voice and SMS services.  

The aim is to address the scarcity of voice-and-SMS-only STVs, especially options with shorter durations. 

TRAI had previously noted that existing vouchers concentrated on longer validities, leaving low-income consumers fewer affordable options for shorter durations.  

This regulation ensures operators offer voice-and-SMS-only STVs across various validity periods. 

Impact on Vodafone Idea and Industry Movements 

Following TRAI's new regulation, Vodafone Idea shares increased by 2.10%, reaching Rs 14.13 at around 1:45 PM on September 22, 2026.  

Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel shares were down by 0.73% at Rs 1,816.65 on the BSE. 

Requirements for Telecom Operators 

The amended rules obligate telecom service providers to offer voice-and-SMS-only STVs with reduced tariffs for every validity period of 30 days and less than 30 days that they generally provide for combined voice, SMS, and data STVs.  

Additionally, operators will have to offer at least one voice-and-SMS-only STV for renewals each month. 

Enhanced Options for Consumers 

TRAI stated that the new tariff framework is designed to provide low-income consumers with superior options, allowing them to recharge according to their financial capabilities.  

The regulation also provides consumers who prefer not to use data bundled STVs greater choice in selecting plans that meet their needs. 

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Conclusion 

TRAI's new regulation mandates telecom operators to increase voice and SMS-only recharge options, leading to a 2.10% growth in Vodafone Idea shares. Bharti Airtel shares decreased by 0.73% during the same period. 

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