The proposal is part of the Draft Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation, 2026, aimed at improving transparency and giving non-data users realistic alternatives to costly bundled packs.

TRAI says earlier rules in 2024 required every operator to provide at least one STV exclusively for voice and SMS, but only a few such plans are currently available and many carry long validity and relatively high tariffs. Consumer groups have since flagged that users who rarely use mobile data - such as elderly subscribers and feature phone users - still end up paying for services they do not need.

Under the new draft, companies such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea would need to mirror every unique validity period offered in bundled STVs with a corresponding voice and SMS-only voucher. TRAI has also proposed that these packs be priced with a "largely proportional reduction in tariff" compared with the equivalent data-inclusive plan, reflecting the removal of internet benefits.

Officials argue the move will curb forced bundling and could make short-duration calling and text packs cheaper and easier to compare. The draft regulation is open for public comment until 28 April 2026, with stakeholders asked to send their feedback to TRAI by email.

If finalised, the rules could pressure telcos to introduce lower-cost recharge options that better match how people actually use their phones. For light or non-data users, that may mean simpler choices, smaller spends and fewer surprises on their mobile bills.