Mandatory separate stv for voice and sms only

[itzmynet]

Trai has mandated separate stv for voice and sms only. stv validity increased from 90 days to 365 days.

TRAI issues ''Telecom Consumers Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations, 2024'' and Telecommunication Tariff (Seventieth Amendment) Order, 2024 | Telecom Regulatory Authority of India

www.trai.gov.in

i. To mandate a separate STV for Voice & SMS. This would give consumers an option to pay for the
services they require in general and in particular benefit certain segments of consumers especially the
elderly persons, those living in rural areas and feature phone users.
ii. The cap on validity period for STV and CV be increased from existing ninety (90) days to three
hundred and sixty-five (365) days in line with validity of data only vouchers as this would benefit
consumers from the hassles of frequent re-charge.
iii, Colour coding of vouchers as it exists in the physical form be done away with in view of the
prominence of online re-charges.
iv. The reserving of denomination of 10/- and multiple thereof only for top-up voucher be done away
with and TSPs may be allowed to offer all the vouchers in any denomination of their choice while
retaining mandate of at least one Top Up voucher of denomination of €10/- provided by TTO (50"
amendment) order 2012.

 

[Smh]

I hope they telecom companies will offer somewhat reasonable plans for secondary numbers and not just release plans for the sake of compliance.

 

[minuteman]

The proposed scenario highlights the potential inequity in pricing strategies by telecom companies. In this case, affordable voice-only plans (₹100-₹150) might be offered, but the cost of regular unlimited internet plans could rise significantly (₹300-₹500) to balance the companies' revenue. This creates a situation similar to the pre-Jio era, where high internet costs were a barrier for many.

A person from a less privileged background who needs the internet to search for jobs or access opportunities might end up paying disproportionately more, effectively subsidizing wealthier users who only need basic voice services at minimal costs. This system risks widening the digital divide, making internet access a luxury for some rather than a necessity for all.

 

[Kaiju404]

"The proposed amendment seeks to address this issue by mandating that for every unique validity period offered under Special Tariff Vouchers with Voice, SMS and Data (whether with or without value-added services), the service provider shall also offer a corresponding Special Tariff Voucher exclusively for Voice and SMS," TRAI said.

Amendment 2026:

TRAI proposes mandating telcos to offer affordable plans for voice, SMS services only

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) proposes a new regulation mandating telecom operators to introduce affordable mobile plans exclusively for voice and SMS services, ensuring greater choice and transparency for consumers.

telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com

 

[Kaiju404]

https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/2026-04/CP_07042026.pdf

 

[SVK]

They started voice/sms only plan, but missed the work "affordable"
In fact they used same Annual type plan rates and removed data. For data, plan cost is increased.

 

[Kaiju404]

They started voice/sms only plan, but missed the work "affordable"

Many are already speculating that the jio phone plans will be axed or increased now along with regular plans, similar Airtel will move