The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced the Telecom Consumers Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulations 2024, bringing significant consumer-friendly changes. One key amendment requires telecom operators to offer tariff plans exclusively for SMS and voice call benefits.
This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 150 million 2G users and individuals with secondary SIM cards used solely for voice calls and SMS. It allows consumers to pay only for the services they use, avoiding the need for costly plans bundled with data benefits that 2G users typically do not require.
The change may impact operators like Airtel and Vi, which still provide 2G networks, while Jio remains focused solely on 4G and 5G networks.
Telecom operators, meanwhile, are actively working on increasing their Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) by offering bundled plans that combine data, voice calls, SMS, and even Over-The-Top (OTT) services.
The telecom authority crafted the new regulations based on consumer surveys and stakeholder feedback to ensure users get maximum value for their money.
TRAI has also directed telecom operators to extend the validity of Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) from 90 days to 365 days. These cost-effective plans offer diverse benefits, making them a consumer-friendly option.
The telecom regulator has also directed operators to offer top-up vouchers in various denominations, starting at a minimum of Rs 10.