Government Pushes for Cheaper Call and SMS Only Plans Amid Rising Mobile Recharge Costs
India telecom regulator proposes mandatory voice and SMS only plans for all validity periods, aiming to reduce user costs and offer flexible choices without forcing unnecessary data usage
In a move that could reshape how millions of Indians recharge their mobile phones, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has proposed a major change to existing plan structures. The draft recommendation asks telecom operators to introduce affordable plans that focus only on calling and SMS services, leaving out mobile data entirely.
This proposal comes at a time when users across the country have been expressing frustration over rising recharge costs. Many customers, especially those who rely only on basic communication, feel compelled to pay for data benefits they rarely or never use. The new framework aims to address this gap by giving users more control over what they pay for.
Under the proposal, telecom companies such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea will be required to offer voice and SMS only plans across all common validity periods. This means users could soon find options for 28 days, 56 days, or 84 days that do not bundle internet data, something that is currently limited or inconsistently available.
Regulators believe this change could significantly benefit specific user groups. Elderly individuals, feature phone users, and people in rural areas are expected to gain the most, as their usage patterns often revolve around calls and messages rather than internet services. For them, the availability of lower cost plans could make mobile connectivity far more accessible.
The draft also highlights that existing voice only plans in the market are often tied to longer validity periods or are priced higher than expected. This has reduced their appeal and practicality. By standardizing availability across durations, the regulator hopes to bring transparency and fairness to mobile pricing.
For telecom operators, however, the proposal may require adjustments. Companies will need to redesign their current plan portfolios and ensure that these new options are clearly visible across their apps, websites, and retail outlets. This could involve operational changes, but it may also open up opportunities to better segment customers based on their needs.
The regulator has invited public feedback on the proposal, with discussions expected to shape the final policy in the coming weeks. If implemented, this move could mark a significant shift in India’s telecom landscape, making mobile plans more user centric and cost effective for millions.
