The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026, to make prepaid mobile recharges more flexible and affordable for users.
TRAI noticed that telecom companies were offering only long-validity plans, leaving low-income users without short-term options. After receiving 1,132 responses and holding an open discussion, TRAI finalized the new rules.
The amendment directs service providers to offer Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) with validity of thirty days or less for voice, SMS, and data. It also ensures monthly plans renew on the same date every month. Additionally, at least one longer-validity STV must be available for users who prefer extended plans.
This change will help consumers who mainly use calls and SMS by providing cheaper, non-data plans. TRAI believes the new tariff structure will give low-income users more choices and control over their spending, improving flexibility and affordability.
The regulation is available on TRAI’s official website. For more details, users can contact Shri Vijay Kumar, Advisor (F&EA), at 011‑20907773 or email fea1‑div@trai.gov.in.
