Government Set To Introduce Affordable Voice Plans, But Your Data Might Get Costlier

New Delhi: In a massive move aimed at bringing relief to millions of mobile users, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has mandated all telecom operators to introduce “voice and SMS-only” plans for every existing validity period.

Giving a firm deadline of April 28, the regulatory body has instructed telcos to clearly display these options on their websites, apps, and retail outlets.

According to TRAI’s draft notification, telecom companies must offer these standalone voice plans at proportionally reduced prices by excluding the cost of data. This directive directly addresses a long-standing grievance of rural consumers, senior citizens, and low-income groups who are currently forced to purchase expensive bundled data plans despite only needing basic calling features.

However, this pro-consumer move carries a hidden caveat. Industry experts warn that while voice-only users will benefit, those relying heavily on the internet might face a financial pinch.

The Indian telecom sector thrives on “bundled pricing,” where revenues from data consumption help subsidise voice services. If companies are forced to unbundle these offerings, the cross-subsidy model will collapse, potentially leading to a sharp hike in standalone data tariffs.

This marks a significant departure from the “tariff forbearance” policy introduced in 2004, which gave operators the freedom to price their plans and ultimately made India one of the cheapest data markets globally. Experts express concern that direct intervention after two decades could throttle telecom innovation and slow down the country’s digital expansion.

As the April 28 deadline approaches, the telecom industry braces for a major structural shift. While the government has successfully laid the groundwork for affordable calling, the ultimate cost of this digital unbundling remains to be seen.