Good News TRAI mandates separate special tariff voucher (STV) for voice & SMS only plans

[vikhyath]

Trai new rule mandates telcos to issue recharge voucher for only Voice, SMS.

TRAI mandates separate special tariff voucher for voice & SMS, to cater to elderly, rural consumers

TRAI mandates separate Voice & SMS vouchers for consumer flexibility, targeting elderly, rural users, simplifying choices, and enhancing user satisfaction.

www.thehindubusinessline.com

Update:

Updated plans are now rolling out with voice + SMS along with price hike on existing plans. More details on below threads:

Airtel introduced voice + SMS only plans after TRAI mandate; hikes value packs prices

Jio introduced voice + SMS only plans after TRAI mandate

Vi (Vodafone Idea) introduced voice + SMS only plan after TRAI mandate

BSNL introduced Voice + SMS only plans after TRAI mandate

 

[Bapun]

Also from the above-linked article:

Meanwhile, TRAI has also mandated the cap on validity period for STV and combo voucher (CV) be increased from existing 90 days to 365 days (one year) in line with validity of data only vouchers as this would benefit consumers from the hassles of frequent re-charge.

 

[kanagadeepan]

Finally some good news. But Telcos know how to tackle this. They will just make Rs199 as minimum recharge with 28 days validity for UL calls + 2GB data. Rs198 for UL Calls + NO Data. AND Rs197 for Rs100 TT and base tariff of 3p/sec + NO DATA.

Else they will bring the case to Delhi HC, which will kill the mandate by introducing a new loophole, same way they did with DTH "La Carte" reforms.

 

[RLOA]

Also from the above-linked article:

Meanwhile, TRAI has also mandated the cap on validity period for STV and combo voucher (CV) be increased from existing 90 days to 365 days (one year) in line with validity of data only vouchers as this would benefit consumers from the hassles of frequent re-charge.

Airtel has silently added 30 day validity limit to all the data top-ups recently. Previously it used to have the validity of existing base pack. Will these rules force them to roll back the changes in any way?

 

[stiwari]

Finally some good news. But Telcos know how to tackle this. They will just make Rs199 as minimum recharge with 28 days validity for UL calls + 2GB data. Rs198 for UL Calls + NO Data. AND Rs197 for Rs100 TT and base tariff of 3p/sec + NO DATA.

Else they will bring the case to Delhi HC, which will kill the mandate by introducing a new loophole, same way they did with DTH "La Carte" reforms.

No they need to bring normal top up and a tariff voucher with 28/30 days validity,only tariff voucher will have validity not the top up,like it use to happen long ago

 

[Esmail]

I expect the existing value plans by operators to retain the same denominations and validity, just removing the bundled 2/6/24 GB data so they fulfill the voice and SMS only STV mandate.

Then people who need data with these plans can additionally spend on the data boosters which take on the base plan's validity.

I don't see the voice and SMS only plans being any cheaper, operators are in business for profits. This will give them a chance to increase their revenue rather than helping the non affording users.

 

[Shark]

Only Voice and SMS packs are much needed in rural areas. Mostly elder people still have 2g phones. But they have to pay for data too. Very good step by TRAI. Hopefully Telecom companies(Vi and Airtel) will think on it and again launch 49 rupees talktime packs.

 

[Ashok Varma]

Only Voice and SMS packs are much needed in rural areas. Mostly elder people still have 2g phones. But they have to pay for data too. Very good step by TRAI. Hopefully Telecom companies(Vi and Airtel) will think on it and again launch 49 rupees talktime packs.

Now Telcos will not decrease tariff due to 5G investments, so Elders/Rurals can use Jio phone for lower tariff of just Rs.91/- for 28 days or Rs.895/- for 336 days or port to BSNL GP2 tariff @ Rs.1199/- for 365 days.

 

[Bapun]

Telecom companies in India have criticised Trai's mandate for voice and SMS-only tariff packs, arguing it could hinder upgrades to 4G and 5G networks and deter 2G users from data services, thereby affecting access to digital initiatives. They believe it contradicts the move towards a data-centric Digital India.

Telcos call Trai's plan to split data, voice packs as 'regressive'

Telecom companies in India have criticised Trai's mandate for voice and SMS-only tariff packs, arguing it could hinder upgrades to 4G and 5G networks and deter 2G users from data services, thereby affecting access to digital initiatives. They believe it contradicts the move towards a...

m.economictimes.com

 

[sunnilkumar]

New plans could be like this.
This is only estimated.