Do you use your phone mostly for calls? Many people do, like elderly parents, people with a second SIM, or anyone who uses Wi-Fi at home. Yet most recharge plans make you pay for mobile data, even if you hardly use it.
- 1 What Is a Voice and SMS-Only Recharge Plan?
- 2 What Does TRAI’s New Recharge Rule Say?
- 3 Why Did TRAI Bring This Rule?
- 4 Who Benefits From Voice and SMS-Only Plans?
- 5 How to Find a Voice and SMS-Only Plan
- 6 Voice and SMS-Only Plan vs Regular Plan
- 7 Things to Check Before You Recharge
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 9 Conclusion
TRAI has made a new rule to change this. Mobile operators must offer voice and SMS-only recharge plans, with only calls and SMS and no data, at a lower price, including short plans of 30 days or less.
Quick Answer
What is TRAI’s new voice and SMS-only recharge rule?
Under the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, released on 21 September 2026, telecom operators in India must offer recharge plans with only calls and SMS, at a reduced price.
- 30 days or lessA voice and SMS-only plan for every short validity they sell with data
- Same date every monthA plan that renews on the same date each month
- One longer planAt least one longer-validity voice and SMS-only plan
Source: TRAI Press Release No. 120/2026
Key Facts at a Glance
- Rule name
- Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026
- Released by
- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
- Release date
- 21 September 2026
- Applies to
- Telecom service providersIncluding Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL
- What it covers
- Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs)The recharge packs you buy for a fixed number of days
- Main change
- Cheaper calls-and-SMS-only plans for short validities
- Who sets the price
- Each operatorTRAI only says the price must be appropriately reduced
- Public comments received
- 1,132responses on TRAI’s draft
Source: TRAI Press Release No. 120/2026
What Is a Voice and SMS-Only Recharge Plan?
A voice and SMS-only recharge plan gives you calls and SMS, but no mobile data. It suits people who make calls on their phone but use Wi-Fi, or no internet at all.
TRAI calls these plans Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs). An STV is a recharge pack with a fixed validity, such as 28 days or 84 days.
What Does TRAI’s New Recharge Rule Say?
Under the new rule, operators must offer voice and SMS-only STVs, with an appropriate reduction in tariff, for:
- Every validity of 30 days or less that they already sell with voice, SMS and data. Example: If an operator sells a 28-day plan with data, it must also offer a 28-day plan with only calls and SMS.
- A plan that renews on the same date every month. If that date doesn’t exist in a month, like the 31st, the plan renews on the last day of that month.
- At least one longer plan with only calls and SMS, matching the longer plans the operator sells with data.
You can read the full details in TRAI’s official press release.
Why Did TRAI Bring This Rule?
TRAI first asked operators to offer voice and SMS-only plans under the Twelfth Amendment in 2024. Since then, TRAI noticed a problem:
- Operators offered only a few voice and SMS-only plans.
- Most of them had long validity, which means a bigger amount to pay at one time.
According to TRAI, this left low-income users without affordable short-term options. Someone who could only afford a small recharge still had to buy a plan bundled with data.
How the rule was made:
| Date | Step |
|---|---|
| 7 April 2026 | TRAI released a draft for public comments |
| 15 June 2026 | TRAI held an open house discussion |
| 21 September 2026 | TRAI released the final regulations |
TRAI received 1,132 responses from the public and other stakeholders on the draft.
Who Benefits From Voice and SMS-Only Plans?
| If you are… | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Someone who mostly makes calls | You can pick a cheaper plan without paying for data you don’t use |
| Keeping a second SIM for calls | Keeping it active can cost less |
| Recharging for an elderly parent | A simple calls-and-SMS plan is easier to find |
| Someone who prefers monthly payments | You can choose a plan that renews on the same date every month |
| Someone who uses Wi-Fi at home and work | You can still use the internet on Wi-Fi |
In TRAI’s words, the rule gives users “more options, allowing them to recharge according to their requirements and financial capacity.”
How to Find a Voice and SMS-Only Plan
TRAI’s rule tells operators what kind of plans to offer. It does not set prices. To find the plans on your number:
- Open your operator’s app: MyJio, Airtel Thanks, Vi App or BSNL Selfcare.
- Go to the Recharge section.
- Look for plans labelled voice, calling, talktime or SMS without any data.
- Compare the validity, number of SMS and any call limits with your current plan.
- If you can’t find one for the validity you need, contact your operator’s customer care.
Thinking of changing your operator for a better plan? Read What Is an MNP SMS? A Simple Guide to learn how to port your number.
Voice and SMS-Only Plan vs Regular Plan
| Voice and SMS-only plan | Regular plan with data | |
|---|---|---|
| Calls | Yes | Yes |
| SMS | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile data | No | Yes |
| Price | Lower (as required by TRAI) | Higher |
| Best for | Calls, Wi-Fi users, second SIMs | People who use mobile internet |
Things to Check Before You Recharge
- No mobile data. You won’t be able to use the internet on mobile data. You can still use Wi-Fi.
- Read the call limits. Check the plan details for any fair-use limits on calls.
- Data add-ons cost extra. If you need data later, you may have to buy a separate data pack.
- Compare the total cost. Sometimes a plan with data costs only a little more. Choose based on how you really use your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a voice and SMS-only recharge plan?
It is a recharge plan that gives you calls and SMS, but no mobile data.
What is TRAI’s new recharge rule in 2026?
TRAI’s Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026 require operators to offer cheaper voice and SMS-only plans for every validity of 30 days or less that they sell with data, a plan that renews on the same date every month, and at least one longer plan.
When did TRAI release the voice and SMS-only rule?
On 21 September 2026.
Does TRAI fix the price of these plans?
No. TRAI says the price must be appropriately reduced, but each operator decides its own prices.
Do Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL have to follow this rule?
Yes. The rule applies to telecom service providers, including Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL. Check your operator’s app for the plans currently on offer.
Can I recharge without data?
Yes. A voice and SMS-only plan gives you calls and SMS without any mobile data.
Can I use WhatsApp on a voice and SMS-only plan?
Only on Wi-Fi, because these plans don’t include mobile data.
Why did TRAI make this rule?
TRAI found that operators offered only a few voice and SMS-only plans, mostly with long validity. This left low-income users without affordable short-term options.
Conclusion
If you rarely use mobile data, TRAI’s new rule can help you save money. Operators must offer voice and SMS-only plans for every short validity they sell with data, a plan that renews on the same date every month, and at least one longer plan, all at a reduced price.
Open your operator’s app, compare the plans and pick the one that fits how you really use your phone.
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