The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new rules aimed at making mobile recharge plans more affordable. This initiative primarily benefits users who rely on voice calls and SMS services but do not require data. The move is expected to bring significant relief, especially to senior citizens, 2G users, and people in rural areas.
TRAI’s New Rules: Key Highlights
TRAI’s revised guidelines focus on ensuring affordable mobile services for all. Here are the main changes:
- Minimum Recharge Amount: ₹10
- Voice and SMS-Only Plans: Now available
- Special Tariff Voucher (STV) Validity: Extended to 365 days
- Mandatory Data Services: Not required
- Beneficiaries: Senior citizens, 2G users, rural populations
- Effective Date: January 2025
Benefits of TRAI’s New Rules
These changes will bring multiple benefits to users:
- Lower Cost Services: Users can now recharge for as little as ₹10, making mobile services more accessible.
- Longer Validity: Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) now offer up to 365 days of validity, reducing the need for frequent recharges.
- No Extra Cost for Data: Users who rely only on calling and messaging will no longer have to pay for unnecessary data services.
- Increased Accessibility: This initiative particularly benefits rural areas where internet connectivity remains limited.
Updated Recharge Plans from Major Telecom Operators
Following TRAI’s directive, leading telecom companies like Jio, Airtel, BSNL, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have revised their plans. Below are some of the new offerings:
Jio Plans
- ₹448 Plan
- Validity: 84 days
- Benefits: Unlimited voice calls, 1,000 SMS
- Extras: Access to JioTV and JioCinema (non-premium)
- ₹1,748 Plan
- Validity: 336 days
- Benefits: Unlimited voice calls, 3,600 SMS
- Extras: JioCloud storage
Airtel Plans
- ₹469 Plan
- Validity: 84 days
- Benefits: Unlimited voice calls, 900 SMS
- Extras: Free Hello Tunes
- ₹1,849 Plan
- Validity: 365 days
- Benefits: Unlimited voice calls, 3,600 SMS
- Extras: Apollo 24/7 Circle membership
Vodafone Idea (Vi) Plans
- Small recharge options starting at ₹10
- Long-term voice and SMS-only plans
TRAI’s Objective Behind This Move
TRAI’s primary goal is to ensure that users pay only for the services they need. Many customers were previously forced to purchase data packs despite only needing voice and SMS services. This new policy eliminates such unnecessary costs.
Positive Impact on Rural Users and Senior Citizens
The new recharge plans are expected to greatly benefit users in rural areas with limited internet access. Additionally, senior citizens who primarily use calling and messaging services will find these plans highly convenient and cost-effective.
With these revised regulations, TRAI has taken a major step towards making mobile services more affordable and user-friendly for millions of people across India.
Compare to earlier data plans it is costly. For example for 1999 VI and Airtel wewe giving 24 gb data also. It means 24 gb data for one year costs only 150.