Mobile recharge plans are changing to better serve users. These new plans focus on calling services, offering more flexibility and convenience. Users can now choose recharge packs that fit their calling patterns, simplifying the management of their mobile costs. This update aims to improve the user experience and provide more options.

Voice Calling Recharge Plans: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has instructed major telecom operators such as Airtel, BSNL, Jio, and Vodafone Idea to launch affordable voice calling and SMS packages. TRAI has mandated the introduction of plans that do not require data for customers using 2G, which will benefit millions of mobile users throughout the country.

Independent plans for 2G users: At present, most of the available recharge plans in the market include data bundles, resulting in higher costs for users of older feature phones or those on the 2G network. To tackle this problem, TRAI has ordered the development of Special Tariff Vouchers (STV) that will be specifically designed for voice calling and SMS.

Emphasizing customer preferences: TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti mentioned that while promoting data usage is essential, it should not be imposed on customers. TRAI aims to allow customers to select services that fit their needs. Companies can advertise their own plans, but they must also offer options that are beneficial to customers.

New regulations for 365-day validity: TRAI’s recent guidelines require companies to increase the validity of recharge vouchers from 90 days to 365 days, giving customers more long-term choices. The requirement for color coding on recharge coupons has been eliminated, but the rule for a minimum recharge of ₹10 remains in effect, as established by the 2012 order.

Financial assistance for customers: The new guidelines aim to provide cost-effective voice and SMS services to mobile users nationwide. This will greatly benefit customers who still use older feature phones and those who do not rely on data.

TRAI’s new initiative: Furthermore, TRAI has introduced a pilot project this month to digitally confirm customer consent using the Digital Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform. This project will allow customers the choice to opt-out of receiving commercial messages.

This move by TRAI will enhance transparency and focus on customer needs in mobile services. By offering improved facilities at reduced prices, it will build customer trust while also enabling telecom companies to attract a larger customer base.