TRAI New Guidelines: What is there in the special recharge for voice calls and SMS? What benefit will you get from this?

PC: news24online

TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) is bringing back a 20-year-old idea by re-introducing prepaid mobile plans that offer only voice calls or SMS service. The regulator believes that this new option will provide users with greater convenience by paying only for the services they actually use. TRAI believes that this new option will be helpful for older people and people living in rural areas, who may only need basic phone services.

The notification said- “(TRAI) believes that a separate Special Tariff Voucher (STV) for voice and SMS should be mandatory in addition to the existing data only STV and bundled offers. It is also observed that voice And SMS-only STV will be mandatory and bundled offers will be mandatory.”

TRAI has made these changes by updating the definitions of Special Tariff Voucher (STV) and Combo Voucher (CV) in its 1999 telecom tariff order.

TRAI's new guidelines: What's changing?

Currently, phone companies offer data along with voice and SMS plans, even for users who only need calls and texts on a single SIM. This forces them to buy expensive plans, even if they do not need it.

To address this issue, TRAI is introducing new guidelines/rules to make voice and SMS plans more affordable for the common people.

Trouble for telecom services

The new rules of the telecom regulator may have an adverse impact on telecom operators. This move may prove to be a blow to Airtel, Jio, Vi and other telecom companies. In July, TRAI shared a report that raised concerns about bundled plans limiting consumer choice. Furthermore, it started a debate on how to address this issue and provide more options for users.

The new rules are likely to benefit consumers by providing more customized and flexible options to suit their needs.