Rs 10 recharge to have 1 year validity, TRAI to bring new rule soon!
TRAI has mandated telecom operators to offer a Rs 10 recharge plan for voice calls and SMS for customers not using data.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) announced the Telecom Consumers Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations on Monday. Under the revised tariff rules, telecom operators are now required to provide a distinct plan for voice calls and SMS for customers who do not use data.
Over 150 million Indian smartphone users, who are currently using 2G services, will benefit from the new guidelines issued by TRAI on December 24. Many of these users depend on basic mobile services like voice calls and SMS, often facing challenges due to high recharge costs. They can usually get data in their recharge plans that they cannot use.
To address this, telecom companies will be required to launch more affordable plans under the updated rules.
Rs 10 recharge plans:
According to the new rules state that all telecom operators, including Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vodafone Idea (Vi), have to make the top-up vouchers available with a starting price of Rs 10. The TRAI has also made another important announcement, which is that it is further increasing the validity of Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) to 365 days from 90 days. This move helps the users use cheaper and long-term recharge options.
Telecom operators are instructed to form voice and SMS plans suitable for 2G feature phone users who do not need to access the Internet. Currently, these users are being charged for data plans, though they do not use the internet. This is because telecom operators have not offered any specific plans that cater solely to voice and SMS. As a result, users end up paying for services, which they do not need.
The reports claim that TRAI has already enforced the new rules, and the telecom operators have been provided with a couple of weeks to follow the guidelines. Although there is no official word on when it will be launched, it is expected to arrive by the end of January as an affordable recharge plan.
