TRAI Voice-and-SMS-Only Recharge Plans: Operators Must Now Offer 30-Day Packs Without Data; What Jio, Airtel and Vi Offer and Who Should Switch

Pune, 2nd November 2026: If you only use your mobile number for calls and OTPs, you no longer have to pay for data you never use, at least on paper. Under a new rule from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), telecom operators must offer prepaid plans with only voice calls and SMS, including packs valid for 30 days or less. Searches for cheaper voice-only plans from Jio, Airtel and Vi were trending across India this weekend.

What TRAI has ordered

TRAI’s Thirteenth Amendment to the telecom tariff order, published on 21 September, requires every operator to offer:

• At least one voice-and-SMS-only voucher with validity of 30 days or less
• An option valid for a calendar month
• At least one longer-validity voice-and-SMS option

The rule took effect on 21 October, 30 days after notification. A separate TRAI order of 1 October asks operators to show a “TRAI-Mandated Packs” section as the first tab on their prepaid recharge pages and apps, so these plans are easy to find.

TRAI’s reasoning is that data should be a choice, not a compulsion. Many users, such as elderly people, those with a second SIM kept only for calls, and feature phone users, pay for bundled data they never touch. TRAI has also noted that UPI payments work on feature phones through USSD (*99#) without mobile internet.

What operators listed as of mid-October

These were the voice-and-SMS-only plans listed by the three private operators around 19 October. Prices and plans change often, so check the operator’s app before recharging.

Airtel’s short packs include unlimited local, STD and roaming calls and 300 SMS. At the time, Jio and Vi had not yet listed a pack of 30 days or less, even though the rule requires one. Check the TRAI-mandated section of their apps for any new short packs.

Who should switch

• Second SIM users who keep a number only for bank OTPs and calls
• Elderly parents on basic or feature phones who use WhatsApp only on home Wi-Fi, or not at all
• Feature phone users, especially those who do not need mobile internet
• Anyone with home Wi-Fi who rarely steps out, though most people will still want some mobile data for maps, UPI apps and messaging

If you use WhatsApp, maps or UPI apps away from Wi-Fi, a voice-only plan will not work for you on its own. You would need to add a data booster, which can end up costing more than a regular bundle.

Check before you recharge

Compare the per-month cost. A long-validity voice pack, such as the 336-day or 365-day ones, often works out cheaper per month than short packs. Also check whether the plan keeps incoming SMS and calls active while roaming, which matters if you travel outside Maharashtra.

Related: from November, the caller name display (CNAP) rule is also changing how calls look on your phone. And read our tips on protecting your accounts from AI-driven hacking.

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