5 big good news for Jio, Airtel, Vi users in 2025! TRAI changed the rules
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently issued some new rules for mobile users. These rules will come into effect from 2025 and will greatly benefit the users of companies like Jio, Airtel, Vi. The main objective of these new rules of TRAI is to make mobile services affordable and accessible to all.
The biggest change in these new rules is that now telecom companies will have to provide separate recharge plans for voice calls and SMS only. This will benefit those users who do not use data. Also, the validity of special tariff voucher has also been increased to 365 days. Let us know about these new rules of TRAI in detail.
Table of Contents
TRAI’s new rules: At a glance
| Rule | Description |
| Separate plans for voice and SMS | Telecom companies will have to provide separate recharge plans for voice and SMS only |
| Validity of Special Tariff Voucher | increased from 90 days to 365 days |
| ₹10 top-up voucher | Companies must issue at least one ₹10 top-up voucher |
| Colour coding of recharge vouchers | Colour coding system for recharge vouchers abolished |
| Application of new rules | Will come into effect from the second week of January 2025 |
| Beneficiary | Around 150 million 2G users, dual SIM users, elderly and people in rural areas |
Separate recharge plans for voice and SMS
The most important change in TRAI’s new rules is that now telecom companies will have to provide separate recharge plans for voice calls and SMS only. This will be a big benefit for those users who do not use data. Now they will be able to recharge only for voice and SMS and they will not have to pay extra for data.
This rule will be especially beneficial for those who:
- use 2G network
- use dual sim
- I am elderly and only use the phone for calls and SMS
- live in rural areas where internet access is limited
Around 150 million users are expected to benefit from this rule.
Validity of special tariff voucher increased
TRAI has increased the validity of Special Tariff Voucher (STV) from 90 days to 365 days. This is a major change that will allow users to avail services at affordable rates for a longer period of time.
With this change:
- Users will not need to recharge again and again
- Services will be available at affordable rates for a long period
- Users will save both time and money
₹10 top-up voucher mandatory
TRAI has also directed that telecom companies must issue at least one ₹10 top-up voucher. This rule will make small amount recharges more accessible, especially for users who recharge with a budget in mind.
The advantages of this rule:
- Beneficial for low-income users
- Recharge facility even in small amount
- Users will be able to recharge as per their requirement
Recharge voucher color coding system is over
TRAI has abolished the color coding system for recharge vouchers. Earlier there were different color vouchers for different types of recharges. Now this system will not be there.
Reasons for this change:
- Recharge process will be simple
- There will be less confusion for users
- Online recharge will be promoted
Impact of the new rules
These new rules of TRAI will come into effect from the second week of January 2025. These will affect both telecom companies and users.
Impact on telecom companies:
- Companies like Jio, Airtel, Vi will have to change their plans
- You will have to get separate plans just for voice and SMS
- ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) may be affected
Effects on users:
- You will get cheap and useful recharge plans
- Money will be saved if data is not needed
- Long validity plan will be convenient
Special benefit for 2G users
TRAI’s new rules are especially beneficial for users of 2G networks. There are still about 150 million people using 2G networks in India. These people often use the phone only for voice calls and SMS.
Benefits for 2G users:
- Cheap plans for voice and SMS only
- No extra cost for data
- Special benefits to the elderly and people of rural areas
Relief for dual sim users
Many people use two SIMs. They use one SIM for data and the other only for calls and SMS. TRAI’s new rules have brought great relief to these users.
Benefits for dual SIM users:
- cheap recharge plans for second sim
- Separate recharge facility for voice and SMS only
- It will be easy to keep both SIMs active
Benefits for the elderly and people in rural areas
TRAI’s new rules are especially beneficial for the elderly and people living in rural areas. These people often use only basic phone services and do not need data.
Benefits for senior citizens and rural users:
- Simple and cheap recharge plans
- No extra cost for data
- Convenience from long validity plans
Challenges faced by telecom companies
TRAI’s new rules may also pose some challenges for telecom companies. Companies like Jio, Airtel, Vi were till now offering bundled plans combining data and voice. Now they will have to change their strategy.
Challenges faced by telecom companies:
- Impact on ARPU (Average Revenue Per User)
- Impact on migration strategy from 2G to 4G/5G
- Designing new types of recharge plans
Precautions for users
Although TRAI’s new rules are beneficial for users, it is still important to keep some things in mind:
- Choose the plan as per your need
- Read the terms and conditions of the plan carefully while recharging
- If you need data, take it separately
- Assess your needs before purchasing a plan with long validity
What other changes might happen in the future?
TRAI continuously monitors the telecom sector and brings new rules from time to time. There may be some more changes in the future:
- Special rules for 5G services
- More affordable options in data plans
- Reduction in roaming charges
- Rules related to quality of network
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only. Although we have tried to provide accurate information, terms and policies may change. Please visit the official website of TRAI for more details. Read all the terms and conditions carefully before relying on the information given in this article.
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