The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has released the Draft Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation, 2026. The draft seeks to improve consumer choice in special tariff vouchers by ensuring that voice and SMS-only packs are available alongside bundled voice, SMS and data offers. It follows concerns that such standalone packs are not being offered sufficiently in the market.
Background to the Draft
TRAI had earlier introduced the Telecom Consumer Protection (Twelfth Amendment) Regulation, 2024. Under that rule, every telecom service provider was required to offer at least one Special Tariff Voucher exclusively for voice and SMS. However, TRAI has noted that only a limited number of such vouchers are now available.
Key Proposal in the Amendment
The new draft proposes that for every unique validity period offered under Special Tariff Vouchers with voice, SMS and data, service providers must also offer a corresponding voucher exclusively for voice and SMS. This is intended to ensure that consumers who do not need data services can still access suitable packs.
Pricing and Consumer Impact
TRAI has stated that the corresponding voice and SMS-only vouchers should be priced with a largely proportional reduction in tariff. The move is aimed at making telecom plans more affordable and more relevant for users who primarily need calling and messaging services. It may also help senior citizens and low-data users.
Consultation Process
The draft regulation has been placed on TRAI’s website for stakeholder comments. Written feedback has been invited by the 28th of this month. Comments may be submitted electronically to the specified TRAI official through the designated email address.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026