Good news for prepaid users: Raghav Chadha says 30-day recharge plans now available; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, September 27, 2026: Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has welcomed the new telecom consumer protection rules, saying they will give prepaid mobile users greater flexibility, including 30-day recharge options and voice-and-SMS-only plans.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released the Telecom Consumers Protection (13th Amendment) Regulations, 2026 on September 22. The amended framework expands the availability of voice-and-SMS-only Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) for consumers who do not require bundled data services.
Chadha said the new provisions would benefit consumers who primarily use their phones for calls and SMS. He said the introduction of 30-day options could reduce the need for users to make 13 monthly recharges in a year to 12.
In a post on X, Chadha described the development as “good news” for prepaid users and said it would provide more suitable options for consumers with limited budgets and basic telecom requirements.
He also said he had raised concerns in Parliament on March 11 over what he described as limited and inflexible recharge options. Chadha said he had sought greater choice and more affordable options for consumers.
Under the amended framework, telecom service providers are required to offer voice-and-SMS-only STVs corresponding to each validity period of 30 days or less that is available for bundled voice, SMS and data STVs. The regulations also provide for additional voice-and-SMS-only options aimed at consumers who do not need data services.
The changes follow TRAI’s earlier consultation process on amendments to the consumer protection framework. TRAI had released the draft 13th Amendment regulations in April 2026 before notifying the final regulations in September.
The new framework is intended to give prepaid consumers more choice in selecting plans according to their usage requirements, particularly those who primarily need voice calling and SMS services.