The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently made some important changes in the rules of mobile recharge which will be applicable from 2025. These new rules aim to make mobile services more affordable and consumer-friendly. This decision of TRAI will benefit crores of customers of telecom companies like Jio, Airtel and Vi.
The biggest change in these new rules is that now telecom companies will have to offer separate recharge plans only for voice calls and SMS. This will benefit those users who do not use data. Additionally, the validity of the special tariff voucher has also been increased to 365 days. Let us know in detail about these new rules of TRAI and understand what benefits they will provide to mobile users.
TRAI’s new mobile recharge rules 2025: At a glance
The main objective of the changes made by TRAI in the rules of mobile recharge is to make mobile services affordable and accessible to everyone. Let’s take a look at these new rules:
| Rule | Description |
| Separate plans for voice and SMS | Telecom companies will have to offer separate recharge plans only for voice and SMS. |
| Validity of Special Tariff Voucher | Increased from 90 days to 365 days |
| minimum recharge amount | ₹10 top-up voucher mandatory |
| Color coding of recharge voucher | Color coding system for recharge vouchers abolished |
| implementation of new rules | Will be applicable from 23 January 2025 |
| beneficiary | 2G users, dual SIM users, elderly and people in rural areas |
Separate recharge plans for voice and SMS
According to the new rules of TRAI, now telecom companies will have to offer separate recharge plans only for voice calls and SMS. This rule is very beneficial for those users who do not use data. This will give users the freedom to choose the plan according to their needs.
Advantages of this rule:
- Money will be saved if data is not needed
- Elderly people and people of rural areas will get cheap plans
- 2G phone users will get relief
Validity of special tariff voucher increased
TRAI has increased the validity of Special Tariff Voucher (STV) from 90 days to 365 days. This will provide users the facility to recharge for a longer period.
Benefits of this change:
- Freedom from the hassle of frequent recharge
- Saving money with long validity plans
- Opportunity for telecom companies to bring new plans
₹10 top-up voucher mandatory
TRAI has made it mandatory for telecom companies to issue top-up vouchers of at least ₹10. This will provide the facility of small amount recharge.
Advantages of this rule:
- Relief to dual SIM users
- Beneficial for low budget users
- Small recharge facility in emergency
Color coding system of recharge voucher ended
TRAI has abolished the color coding system for recharge vouchers. Earlier there were different colored vouchers for different types of recharge. This system will no longer exist.
Reasons for this change:
- Recharge process will be simple
- There will be less confusion for users
- Online recharge will get a boost
implementation of new rules
These new rules of TRAI will come into effect from 23 January 2025. After this date all telecom companies will have to follow these rules.
Impact of this change:
- Telecom companies will have to change their plans
- Users will get new and better plans
- Competition will increase in mobile services
Beneficiaries: Which users will benefit most
The following users will benefit most from these new rules of TRAI:
- 2G phone users: Those who use the phone only for calling and SMS
- Dual SIM users: Those who recharge just to keep the second number active
- Elderly: Those who do not need data
- People in rural areas: where internet usage is less
What does it mean for Jio, Airtel and Vi?
These new rules of TRAI will also impact big telecom companies like Jio, Airtel and Vi. They will have to make changes in their recharge plan.
Impact on telecom companies:
- New voice and SMS plans will have to be introduced
- Focus will increase on long validity plans
- Recharge vouchers of small amount will have to be given
Do’s and Don’ts for users
To take advantage of TRAI’s new rules, users should keep a few things in mind:
What to do:
- Choose the plan as per your need
- Take advantage of long validity plans
- Use small recharge facility
What not to do:
- Do not take expensive data plans without need
- Avoid fake recharge offers
- Do not recharge by clicking on unknown links
Economic impact of TRAI’s new rules
These new rules of TRAI will also have an economic impact. This will increase competition in the telecom sector and users will get cheaper services.
Economic Impact:
- Impact on ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) of telecom companies
- Expansion of mobile services in small towns and villages
- promote digital india
What may happen in the future?
These new rules of TRAI may bring further changes in mobile services in future. Some possible outcomes may be:
- More cheap recharge plans
- New types of plans in 5G services
- Special plan for IoT (Internet of Things)
conclusion
TRAI’s new mobile recharge rules 2025 have brought a big relief for the users. With these rules, mobile services will become even more affordable and accessible. Especially 2G users, elderly people and people in rural areas will get the most benefit from it. This is also a new opportunity for telecom companies to increase their customer base.
Users should be aware of these new rules and choose the right plan as per their needs. Also, avoid fake recharge offers and always recharge through authorized channels only.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the new rules issued by TRAI. However, there may be some changes in the implementation of these rules. Therefore, please confirm with your telecom provider before taking any recharge or plan.
