Mobile recharge plans without data will be cheaper:TRAI presented a draft, sought suggestions; prices can decrease by up to 70%

Telecom regulator TRAI has taken a big step in the interest of customers by releasing a new draft of the Telecom Consumer Protection Regulations, 2026. Its main objective is: If you don’t need data, why pay for it? TRAI has sought suggestions from all stakeholders on this, after which it will be finalized. What is the new proposal? Currently, companies offer call-SMS-only packs for limited durations. This forces many customers to opt for expensive data plans. Now, TRAI has proposed that companies must offer call and SMS only plans for the same validity periods (e.g., 7, 28, 56, or 84 days) for which they offer data plans. How much will prices decrease? Since 50-70% of the cost in mobile plans is for data, with the implementation of the new rule, the price of call-SMS only plans could be less than half. For example, a plan costing ₹300 could be available for ₹100 to ₹150. Who benefits? Feature phone users and the elderly who do not use data. Those who keep a second SIM only for calls. Also, it will be beneficial for those who have Wi-Fi at home. Apps will not be able to block important calls from the 1600 and 140 series TRAI has clarified that call management apps like Truecaller cannot block calls from the 1600 and 140 series