TRAI releases Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the Telecom Consumer Protection (Thirteenth Amendment) Regulations, 2026. The regulation addresses limitations in the availability of Voice-and-SMS-only Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) offered by telecom service providers, which previously lacked affordable shorter-duration choices for low-income consumers. Following stakeholder consultations and an Open House Discussion, TRAI finalized the regulation to mandate Voice-and-SMS-only STVs with appropriate tariff reductions for validities of thirty days and less, monthly recurring validities, and at least one STV with longer validity. The framework aims to provide consumers preferring unbundled plans with more flexible and affordable options.