TELECOM CONSUMER PROTECTION REGULATION 2026

Why In News?

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released the Draft Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulation 2026 to reform the tariff structure for mobile services.

Background: Why was this Amendment Introduced?

The 2024 regulation forced telcos to offer at least one voice-only pack, however, service providers followed the "letter of the law" but ignored its spirit. 

Strategic "Oversight" by Telcos: After the 2024 mandate, providers introduced voice-only packs but often restricted them to expensive, long-term validities (e.g., 365 days).  

Protecting Non-Data Users: Most affordable short-term packs (e.g., 28 days) remained bundled with data. Feature phone users—who cannot use data—were effectively paying a "data tax" for services they didn't need.

Financial Inclusion: Mobile numbers are essential for the digital welfare system. Services like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) rely on One Time Passwords (OTPs) and SMS alerts. 

• When low-income users cannot afford expensive recharges, their SIMs are deactivated, cutting them off from essential financial services.

Key Provisions of the 2026 Draft Regulation

Mandatory Standalone Vouchers: For every bundled plan (Voice + SMS + Data) offered, telecom service providers (TSPs) must offer a corresponding standalone "Voice and SMS-only" voucher.

Same Validity: This standalone voucher must have the exact same validity period as its bundled counterpart.

Proportionate Pricing: The price of the "Voice and SMS-only" plan must be proportionately reduced, ensuring consumers do not pay for data services they cannot or do not use.

Significance 

This amendment upholds consumer "Right to Choice," particularly for rural users relying on feature phones. 

It aims to ensure fairness in tariff structures by preventing inflated pricing on non-data packs, thus strengthening regulatory consistency and protecting consumer interests.

Source: PIB