Important information has emerged for consumers who recharge their mobile phones. Previously, many telecom companies offered monthly recharges with a validity of 28 days, which meant users had to recharge approximately 13 times in a year. Now, as a result of new TRAI guidelines, recharge options with 30 days of validity will be available, allowing customers to receive validity for the entire month.
TRAI notified the 'Telecom Consumer Protection (13th Amendment) Regulations, 2026' on September 22, 2026. Under these new rules, telecom companies must offer voice and SMS-only plans with a validity of 30 days or less. Additionally, it is mandatory to ensure that these plans can be renewed on the same date every month; if that specific date does not exist in the month, the renewal will take place on the last day of the month.
A key aspect of this change is that it will increase options for users who do not require mobile data. Such users will be able to recharge only for calling and SMS. According to TRAI's new rules, telecom companies must provide voice and SMS-only vouchers and also make appropriate deductions in their tariffs.
This facility can be particularly beneficial for customers who use their phones mainly for calls and SMS, including the elderly and customers who do not require data monthly.
The issue related to this change was raised in Parliament by Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha. He raised a question regarding 28-day recharges and demanded 30-day validity plans for those who do not need data. After the implementation of the new rules, he described it as a relief measure for consumers.
However, this does not mean that all existing 28-day plans will automatically become 30 days. Companies must provide the 30-day option in accordance with the rules. Companies like Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL will determine the prices and benefits of the new plans as they wish.