The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India released a rule on 22 September requiring mobile operators to offer voice-and-SMS-only recharge plans for validities of 30 days and less, matching the plans they sell with data [1].
The plans must come at a reduced price, and renew on the same date each month. Operators must also offer at least one longer plan without data [1].
TRAI said operators had been offering few such plans, mostly with long validities, leaving low-income users without cheaper short options [1].
What it covers
The rule applies to special tariff vouchers, the prepaid recharges Indian operators sell. TRAI published its draft on 7 April and received 1,132 responses before finalising it [1].
What it does not tell you
How much cheaper the plans will be. The regulator asks for an "appropriate reduction in tariff" and gives no figure [1].
When operators must comply. The release gives no date; the regulation itself is on TRAI's website [1].
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