Jio, Airtel, and Vi users no longer have to search their apps to find the recharge plans they need. TRAI has directed the companies to display them prominently. Learn more about the entire matter.
Do you always look for a cheap plan that offers just calls and SMS when you recharge your mobile, but can’t easily find it among the numerous options in the app? Or do you have trouble finding a recharge that doesn’t require data at all? For such mobile users, a new move by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) could prove to be quite beneficial.
TRAI has directed telecom companies, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi), to more clearly display their essential recharge plans and Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) to customers. The companies must comply within 30 days of the October 1 directive.
‘TRAI-Mandated Packs’ will appear as soon as you open the app
The biggest change now is that telecom companies will be required to provide a distinct and clearly visible section titled “TRAI-Mandated Packs” within the prepaid recharge section of their websites and mobile apps. According to TRAI’s directive, this section should appear as the first tab within the prepaid recharge section. Furthermore, these plans must be prominently displayed at their exclusive retail outlets.
Why did TRAI have to give this instruction?
According to TRAI, it had received complaints from customers that some of its mandatory vouchers were not readily visible on telecom companies’ websites and apps. It also audited these platforms and found that in some cases, such vouchers were grouped into different categories or customers had to navigate multiple pages and screens to find them. This made it difficult for users to choose the right recharge for their needs.
It is not necessary to recharge with only data.
A key part of this entire change is Voice and SMS-only STV. Under TRAI’s new regulations, telecom companies will be required to offer Special Tariff Vouchers that only cover voice calls and SMS, without necessarily including data. This could be particularly useful for customers who have limited mobile data needs, use Wi-Fi for internet access, or whose phone usage is primarily limited to calls and SMS.
Options with a validity of 30 days or less
The new rule doesn’t just address long-term Voice-SMS-only STVs. Companies must offer STVs with a validity that matches the validity of their Voice-SMS-Data STVs, which are 30 days or less. Additionally, they must offer at least one option to renew on the same date each month. If that date is not available in any month, the last day of that month will be considered the renewal date. Companies must also offer at least one Voice-SMS-only STV with a longer validity, as per their respective long-term bundle plans.
When will the rules come into effect?
The new rules related to voice-SMS-only STVs will come into effect from October 22, 2026. The directive regarding correct display of recharge plans will be required to be followed by companies within 30 days from October 1, 2026.
