Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently issued some new rules for mobile users. These rules will be applicable from 2025 and they will greatly benefit the users of companies like Jio, Airtel, Vi. The main objective of these new rules of TRAI is to make mobile services affordable and accessible to everyone.
The biggest change in these new rules is that now telecom companies will have to offer separate recharge plans only for voice calls and SMS. This will benefit those users who do not use data. Additionally, the validity of the special tariff voucher has also been increased to 365 days. Let us know in detail about these new rules of TRAI.
TRAI’s new rules: at a glance
| Rule | Description |
| Separate plans for voice and SMS | Telecom companies will have to offer separate recharge plans only for voice and SMS. |
| Validity of Special Tariff Voucher | Increased from 90 days to 365 days |
| ₹10 top-up voucher | Companies will have to issue a top-up voucher of at least ₹10 |
| Color coding of recharge voucher | Color coding system for recharge vouchers abolished |
| implementation of new rules | Will be applicable from second week of January 2025 |
| beneficiary | About 150 million 2G users, dual SIM users, elderly and people in rural areas |
Separate recharge plans for voice and SMS
The most important change in the new rules of TRAI is that now telecom companies will have to offer separate recharge plans only for voice calls and SMS. This will be of great benefit to those users who do not use data. Now they will be able to recharge only for voice and SMS and will not have to pay extra for data.
This rule will be especially beneficial for those who:
- use 2G network
- use dual sim
- Are elderly and use phone only for calls and SMS
- Live in rural areas where internet access is limited
This rule is expected to benefit about 150 million users.
Validity of special tariff voucher increased
TRAI has increased the validity of Special Tariff Voucher (STV) from 90 days to 365 days. This is a major change that will allow users to avail services at affordable rates for a long time.
With this change:
- Users will not need to recharge again and again
- Services will be available at affordable rates for long term
- Users will save both time and money
₹10 top-up voucher mandatory
TRAI has also directed that telecom companies will have to issue at least a ₹10 top-up voucher. This rule will make small amount recharge more accessible, especially for users who recharge with a budget in mind.
Advantages of this rule:
- Beneficial for low income users
- Recharge facility even in small amount
- Users will be able to recharge as per their need
Color coding system of recharge voucher ended
TRAI has abolished the color coding system for recharge vouchers. Earlier there were different colored vouchers for different types of recharge. This system will no longer exist.
Reasons for this change:
- Recharge process will be simple
- There will be less confusion for users
- Online recharge will get a boost
Impact of new rules
These new rules of TRAI will come into effect from the second week of January 2025. These will impact both telecom companies and users.
Impact on telecom companies:
- Companies like Jio, Airtel, Vi will have to change their plans.
- Separate plans will have to be made just for voice and SMS.
- ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) may be affected
Impact on Users:
- Cheap and useful recharge plans will be available
- Money will be saved if data is not needed
- Long validity plan will provide convenience
Special benefit for 2G users
TRAI’s new rules are especially beneficial for 2G network users. About 150 million people still use 2G networks in India. These people often use the phone only for voice calls and SMS.
Benefits for 2G users:
- Cheap plans only for voice and SMS
- No additional charges for data
- Special benefits to the elderly and people of rural areas
Relief for dual SIM users
Many people use two SIMs. They use one SIM for data and the other only for calls and SMS. The new rules of TRAI have brought great relief for these users.
Benefits for dual SIM users:
- cheap recharge plans for second sim
- Separate recharge facility for voice and SMS only
- It will be easy to keep both SIMs active
Benefits for the elderly and people in rural areas
TRAI’s new rules are especially beneficial for the elderly and people living in rural areas. These people often use only basic phone services and do not need data.
Benefits for elderly and rural users:
- Simple and cheap recharge plans
- No additional charges for data
- Convenience from long validity plan
Challenges of telecom companies
The new rules of TRAI may also pose some challenges to the telecom companies. Till now companies like Jio, Airtel, Vi were offering bundled plans combining data and voice. Now they will have to change their strategy.
Challenges of telecom companies:
- Impact on ARPU (average revenue per user)
- Impact on migration strategy from 2G to 4G/5G
- Creating new types of recharge plans
Precautions for users
Although TRAI’s new rules are beneficial for users, it is still important to keep some things in mind:
- Choose the plan as per your need
- Read the plan terms carefully while recharging
- If data is required then get it separately
- Assess your needs before taking a long validity plan
What other changes may happen in the future?
TRAI continuously monitors the telecom sector and brings new rules from time to time. There may be some more changes in the future:
- Special rules for 5G services
- More affordable options in data plans
- Reduction in roaming charges
- Network quality rules
Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only. Although we have attempted to provide accurate information, rules and policies are subject to change. Please visit TRAI official website for more details. Read all terms and conditions carefully before relying on the information provided in this article.
